"The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe" ("written by himself")", by Daniel Defoe, complete in two volumes, illustrated by Charles Ansell, engraved by Barlow, published by William Lane, London in 1790 ('MDCCXC'). Several illustrations are marked and dated "Published as the Act directs June 10, 1790 by William Lane, Leadenhall Street". First Edition with Ansell illustrations. The book is from the library of John Hamilton 1st Marquess of Abercorn.

Original leather hard cover, (some wear, aging: see scan), 4.1/8" x 6.3/4". Volume 1: 288 pages, frontispiece and 3 copper-engraved plates; volume 2: 175 pages, frontispiece and 3 plates; some soiling and wear, good / very good condition.

CONTENTS:

Volume 1: "Crusoe's Adventures on the uninhabited island "Who lived Eight and Twenty Years all alone in an uninhabited Island on the Coast of America, near the Mouth of the Great River Oroonoque having been cast on Shore by Shipwreck, wherein all the Men perished but Himself."

Volume 2: "Crusoe's Adventures and travel in China, Siberia and other remote parts of the world".

An illustrated edition of this classic story of adventure based on true-life adventures of Alexander Selkirk.

Provenance:

From the library of John Hamilton 1st Marquess of Abercorn (1756-1818). Signed by John Hamilton on the title pages of both volumes. In addition, there are private book plates inside both front covers showing Hamilton - Douglas coat of arms on the left side and three geese, the heraldic symbol of "the man of many talents and great potential" on the right side.

Daniel Defoe (ca.1661-1731), a prolific author of journal articles and novels, achieved his greatest fame through writing this work, first published in 1719. It has a claim to being the first English novel and was very influential upon later significant writers. Rousseau recommended it as the first book a young boy should read, Coleridge referred to it as the illustration of the universal man. The novel has achieved a fame rivaling that of other classics such "Gulliver's Travels" and "Pilgrim's Progress". Of some interest is the fact that the novel was the first of a trilogy written by Defoe. The second part ('Travel in remote parts of the world') was rarely reprinted, therefore scarce.

Charles Ansell (born 1752, died after 1796), flourished towards the close of the 18th century was an English painter. His name occurred only twice (1780 & 1781) in the catalogues of the Royal Academy. He was celebrated for his drawings of the horse, but also drew domestic subjects. His most celebrated work, "Life and death of a Racehorse" was engraved in a set of six plates by Francis Jukes, and published in 1784 by John Walker Carver & Printseller. Other works were "The graces of archery or elegant airs, attitudes and lady traps" and a six plate set "The life of a horse". Other works engraved were "The English Dressing Room", "The English Fireside", "The French Dressing Room'", "The French Fireside", and illustrations to Robinson Crusoe. His artworks are present in several museums.

US: Priority (c.2-4 days) ----------$28.50
Canada: Express (c.5-10 days) ----- $85.50
World: Express (c.7-14 days) ------ $98.50