Romulus, a Tale of Ancient Times, translated from the German of Augustus Lafontaine, by the Rev. P[eter] Will, Minister of the German Congregation in the Savoy. Vol I [-II].

Publication details: London: Printed for R. Philips... By T. Adlard and T. Gillet,[1799],

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First edition in English of this romance about the legendary founder of Rome. It is a translation of the second volume of 'Sagen aus dem Alterthume' (1799), and the map in the engraved titles is the same as in the German edition. The continuing popularity of Lafontaine's novels was extraordinary. There was a Baltimore edition in 1814.The translator's dedication, to Miss Planta 'offers the present title as a contrast to recent licentious German romances' (Raven). Margaret Planta (1754-1834) took over the role of governess to the Princesses at Windsor Castle upon the death of her sister Frederica in 1778.Seton of Hiltly is likely Alexander Seton, Minister of Linlithgow.

Description

FIRST ENGLISH EDITION. 2 vols., with engraved titles with a circular map of central Italy at the centre, printed on blueish paper (bluer in places than others), a few spots here and there, a little browning in vol. ii, damp-stain to rear endleaves in vol. ii not affecting text; pp. [i, engraved title], 322; [i, engraved title], 320, [4, ads], 12mo; strictly contemporary tree calf (one fly-leaf watermarked 1800), gilt roll tooled borders on sides, contrasting lettering pieces on spines, a trifle rubbed but a pleasant copy, attractive contemporary engraved book label inside front covers of Rev. Seton of Hiltly, signature of Thomas Love Jn dated 1874 opposite.

Bibliography: (Raven 1799:63; ESTC T200762)

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