An Essay on Criticism, 1711. Facsimile 1928: Limited Edition, 169 of 250 copies

An Essay on Criticism, first published in 1711 is one of the first major poems written by the English writer Alexander Pope (1688 – 1744).
Limited edition, Number 169 of 250 copies, together with 1711 facsimile volume, privately printed by John Henry Nash for William Andrews Clark, Jr., San Francisco, 1928.
2 volumes. Chronology of Pope's life and Essay text rendered by John Henry Nash. Bibliographical note by Cora Edgerton Sanders. Introduction by William Andrews Clark, Jr. Illustrated with Frontispiece portrait in dry-point by William Wilke. 12.5 x 9 inches, light blue paper boards, vellum spine, spine lettered in gilt, 9 x 6.5 inches, same as larger volume, both volumes housed in individual compartments in a single slipcase with printed paper spine label.
Privately printed for presentation on behalf of socialite William Andrews Clark, Jr, including a facsimile of the first edition and a beautifully bound folio edition.
William Andrews Clark, Jr., son of Senator William Andrews Clark, Sr., was a bibliophile and patron of the arts, having founded the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the University of California, Los Angeles William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, which houses his rare book collection. Inspired by the beauty of John Henry Nash's 1925 edition of Browning's Sonnets, Clark commissioned this edition, to be presented as Christmas gifts in 1928. Nash, a bibliophile and typographer, was the most generously patronized fine printer of his time, with commissions from the leading figures of his day, including William Randolph Hearst. His technical perfection and use of various typefaces, ornaments, and high-quality materials were esteemed by those who appreciated the craftsmanship involved in such work (ANB).