[Richard Glover] — Leonidas, a Poem

London, R. Dodsley , 1737. First edition. Leather. The large quarto first edition of this fantastic, high-minded epic poem, scarcely seen in such pristine condition. The first edition of this work.  Rebound in quarter calf with paper covered boards. End papers renewed with the original blanks retained.  Signatures run as follows:[ pi]2, A-a4, B-Uu4. Leonidas is an epic poem by Richard Glover, based on the Spartan defense of the Pass of Thermopylae in 480 BC. Politically, Glover was aligned with the 'patriot' whigs, who installed Frederick, Prince of Wales as their figurehead. Scholars have often drawn parallels between the Prince of Wales and Glover's Leonidas. The work appears in nine books, preceeded by a dedication to prominent whig poltician, Lord Cobham.  Early ownership ink inscription of 'Marie A Watts', to front paste down. Rebound in quarter calf with paper covered boards. Externally, excellent. Ever so slight fading to spine. Bumps to paper at extremities with minor loss. End papers renewed. Early ownership inscription to front paste down, excised and tipped in from original end papers. Original blanks retained, ink inscription to recto of first blank. Internally, excellent. Tightly bound. Pages bright and clean. The odd handling mark to page extremities. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: Not Stated. Very Good Indeed .