[George Lyttelton] — Dialogues of the Dead

London, W. Sandby , 1760 . First edition. Leather. An early impression of George Lyttelton's satirical collection of 'Dialogues of the Dead', using illustrious figures, both dead and alive, to discuss literary, political and philosophical matters. An early impression of the first edition, published the same year as the first. With the decorative headpiece to page iii representing a globe in the centre (the first impression had a pedestal). A very popular work, with three editions completed within three months. With no author attribution to the title page, it was later learnt that this work was by George Lyttelton with the final three sections by Elizabeth Montagu. This work is a collection of twenty-six dialogues of conversations between the living and the illustrious dead. The entire text is a satire of 18th century vanity and manners. Including discussions from Joseph Addison, Jonathan Swift, Alexander the Great and Charles XII, among others. Lyttelton was a British statesman and patron of the arts as well as a great friend to Alexander Pope and Henry Fielding. Elizabeth Montagu was the leader of the Blue Stockings society, a social and educational movement emphasizing education and mutual co-operation for women. Bound in full calf. Externally, very good, with rubbing to the extremities and joints, causing small cracks the the front joint. Endpapers retained. Front blank discarded. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. Ink inscription of Mark Baskett to title page. Front free endpaper is glued a little to the margin, with a small hole to center and to title page margin. Very Good . Ill.: None. Very Good .