THE HISTORY OF THE VALOROUS AND WITTY KNIGHT-ERRANT, DON QUIXOTE OF THE MANCHA (4 volumes)

London: Printed for D. Midwinter, et al., 1740. Complete in 4 volumes.  21 folding plates engraved by Gerard van der Gucht (1696-1776) after the drawings by Antoine Coypel (1661-1772).  One of three editions published between 1725 and 1740 that used the van der Gucht / Coypel engravings and the English translation by the mysterious Robert Shelton. The 4 volumes are bound in full leather, with original mottled leather covered boards.  They were rebacked at some point; the rebacking preserved most of the original leather on the spines.  The boards have gilded bordering that may have been added at the time of the rebacking.  The books are clean and tight; pages lightly toned and still quite supple.   Engraved plates are in very good condition.. 3rd Edition Thus. Hardcover. Collectible-Very Good-. Illus. by Gerard van der Gucht, after the drawings by Antoine Coypel. 16mo - over 5¾" - 6¾" tall. Book.