William Falconer — The Shipwreck

London, T. Cadell , 1794. Leather. A scarce edition of William Falconer's renowned epic poem about a ship being lost to sea. The scarce eighth edition. In a full calf binding with gilt detail. With four plates drawn by T. Stothard and engraved by I. Parker. Collated complete. The plates bear the imprint 'Published May 1st. 1795 by Cadell and Davies', as is common for this edition. William Falconer's classic epic poem telling the story of a ship lost at sea. Falconer was a Scottish poet whose work predominantly focused on maritime and naval themes. He was a sailor himself, with his knowledge of ships and life at sea evident in this work. Falconer died around 1769, onboard the Aurora frigate which was lost to sea on a voyage to India. The half title page is present. Alongside an advertisement for the third edition. With a bookplate for one, 'H. P. Hensman', to the front paste-down, alongside the previous owner's ink signature and bookseller's label. ESTC Citation No. T77425 The pagination is as follows: [5], B-K8, [1] In a full calf binding. Externally, a trifle rubbed with rubbing to the extremities. The rear joints are cracked but still firm. The front joints are cracked and tender. Rubbing has resulted in a small amount of loss to the upper and lower spine. Some marks to the boards. Offsetting and spotting to the paste-downs and free endpapers. Bookseller's label, bookplate and previous owner's ink inscription to the front pastedown. Internally, firmly bound. Pages age-toned but generally bright and clean. Spotting to the plates. Offsetting to the edges of the blanks. Scattered spots throughout. Previous owner's ink inscription to the rear blank. Good . Ill.: T. Stothard; I Parker. Good .