Paul and Virginia.
1795144669London: G. G. and J. Robinson 1795. First separate edition in English translated by the celebrated bluestocking Helen Maria Williams 1759-1827 "amidst the horrors of Robespierre's tyranny" as she explains colourfully in her Preface; it became "the standard English edition well into the nineteenth century" Deborah Kennedy Helen Maria Williams and the Age of Revolution 2002 p. 122. The circumstances under which Williams completed her translation were trying to say the least "she was subject to frequent house searches and on several occasions had parts of the translation and other papers seized and taken to 'the Municipality of Paris in order to be examined as English papers; where they still remain mingled with revolutionary placards motions and harangues; and are not likely to be restored to my possession'" ibid. Paul and Virginia was first published in French as part of Bernardin de Saint-Pierre's Études de la nature in 1788 and received its first English translation the same year. "ESTC shows 17 English forms of this work between 1795 when Helen Maria William's Paul and Virginia was published and 1800" Garside Raven and Schöwerling. Though published without an imprint this edition was almost certainly issued by the radical and printer John Hurford Stone 1763-1818 with whom Williams was involved. Another edition was published in London the same year by G. G. and J. Robinson. Precedence has not been established. "Although excessively sentimental this little work contains many charming passages especially the descriptions in which Rousseau's influence can be seen of an idyllic life in strange surroundings. It had an immense vogue was translated into many languages and still retains its popular fame. Bonaparte considered it the language of the soul and he pensioned and decorated the author" The Oxford Companion to French Literature. Octavo in fours 205 x 133 mm. With 6 engraved plates by Clément after drawings by Dutailly. Recent quarter calf and marbled boards to style spine ruled in gilt red morocco label. Small rust hole to one leaf touching one letter; a very good copy. See Garside Raven and Schöwerling 1788:71 hardcover
Peter Harrington · Royaume-Uni1 500,00 £GB≈ 1 712,70 €
