Poems and Letters: Essays and Comedies

THE

W O R K S

Of the late INGENIOUS

Mr. GEORGE FARQUHAR :

Containing all his

P O E M S, L E T T E R S,

ESSAYS AND COMEDIES

___________________

IN TWO VOLUMES

___________________

The TENTH EDITION

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LONDON :

JOHN RIVINGTON, W. JOHNSTON,

S. CROWDER, T. CASLON, T. LOWNDES,

W. NICOLL, S. BLADON, C. CORBET and R. BALDWIN.

MDCCLXXII

DESCRIPTION

(ii) + 330pp + EPILOGUE + LIST OF PLAYS + (ii)

(ii) + 9pp + 76pp + 81pp + 87pp + 85pp + 4pp + (ii)

Books measure 220mm x 145mm approximately.

Bound in contemporary full flamed brown leather. Spine with gilt-ruled compartments with elaborate gilt decoration and twin maroon and green title and volume labels.

CONDITION

Overall, in good condition. Each volume holding firm with slight cracking to the upper front hinge of volume II and general rubbing to hinges. There are some losses of leather to spine head and less so to spine foot. A few minor marks and nicks to boards but nothing serious with the bindings retaining a rich lustre. Internally the pages are a little dulled but clean and fresh with no marks or stains, just a little browning and spots to end-papers. Neat previous owner signature to front end-paper of each volume, and bookplate and shelf lable to each volume.

A nicely presented two volume set.

Please refer to the photo images for a clear indication of both condition and content.

INTERESTING

George Farquhar (1677 to 1707) was an Irish dramatist. He is noted for his contributions to late Restoration comedy, particularly for his plays The Constant Couple (1699), The Recruiting Officer (1706) and The Beaux' Stratagem (1707). He was educated at Foyle College and later entered Trinity College, Dublin at age 17. Farquhar joined a company performing on the Dublin stage, probably through his acquaintance with the well-known actor Robert Wilks. However, Farquhar was reportedly not that impressive as an actor. We are told that "his Voice was somewhat weak" and that "his movements were stiff and ungraceful. An accident on stage put an end to Farquhar's acting career. As Guyomar, Farquhar was supposed to "kill" Vasquez, one of the Spanish generals in the drama. Forgetting to exchange his sword for a foil before enacting this scene, Farquhar severely wounded Price, the actor playing Vasquez. Although Price recovered, Farquhar resolved after this mishap to give up acting for good.