[Hayward, Thomas, editor.] THE QUINTESSENCE OF ENGLISH POETRY…. IN THREE VOLUMES. London: O. Payne, 1740. 12mo. 3 vols. [4], xxiv, [20], 288; [2], 312; [2], 312 pp. Bound in period paneled calf. ************* An uncommon set, being a collection of various passages from English poems and plays. First published in 1738 as "The British muse." – Interesting ownership signature of Alexander Tytler, with a marginal note in the same hand on page 203 of the first volume; likely the historian Alexander Fraser Tytler, best known for his famous quote, "A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the majority discovers it can vote itself largess out of the public treasury."

Bindings worn, intact though a couple of board just barely holding, hinges cracked. Contents clean overall, one gathering detached in second volume. Good+.