The Spectator.

London: Printed for J. and R. Tonson and S. Draper, [c.1750].. 8 vols. 12mo. (17.5 x 10 cm). Contemporary tree calf, spines with red morocco labels with floral gilt decoration. Each volume with engraved title-page and frontispiece by Francis Hayman, "the most proficient English illustrator of his time" (Gordon N. Ray, The Illustrator and the Book in England, p. 5). Old ownership inscription of Mr. Hambly to f.f.e.p. in each volume. Minor shelfwear and rubbing to extremities, minor partial crack to rear joint of first volume, contents clean and crisp, generally a a very pretty set. The Spectator, "one of the most triumphant literary projects of the age transforming periodical writing in English" (ODNB entry for Addison), was a periodical published daily by Joseph Addison and Sir Richard Steele, both politicians, which was one of the bestsellers of the 18th century. Its 555 issues sold up to 4000 copies a day, and carried news and comment, but especially comments on manners, morals and literature. The publication pretended to be the reports by a Mr Spectator on the conversations of a club comprising representatives of the country squirearchy, the town, commerce and the army. Its essays, as seen in this example, show that urban life in the 18th century was not so far different from today, with observations on begging and binge-drinking. 'Mr Spectator' particularly comments on debt � '[I am] extremely astonished that Men can be so insensible of the Danger of running into Debt'. The magazine of essays was a popular model for expressing various views on society in the 18th century. Though often short-lived, they sold well and were read by thousands. The Gentleman's Magazine, Steele's The Tatler, Samuel Johnson's The Rambler and The Idler and others created an enthusiasm for discussing ideas and literature that were at the heart of literate thinking in 18th century England.