first Malkin edition

The first Malkin edition of Alain-René Lesage's classic picaresque tale, L'Histoire de Gil Blas de Santillane. Translated from the original French into English by the author, and illustrated with engraved plates after original designs by Robert Smirke. An attractive, near fine set in crushed red morocco gilt by Bayntun.

First edition thus; 4 vols, 8vo (23 x 15 cm); numerous engraved plates after illustrations by Robert Smirke, occasional offsetting to text, slight spotting to plates; crushed red morocco by Bayntun, panels tooled in gilt to regency design, spine gilt in 6 compartments, all edges gilt, an attractive, near fine set.