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hi could anyone help me age this book I believe it’s from around 1770. Thanks

 

The Roman numerals following the list of people for whom the book was printed (subscribers?) say 1767, so your 1770 estimate is darned close.

 

If the front engraving is by Paul Fourdrinier (1698 – 1758), it must be a re-worked plate. It does look like that shield/cartouche thingy was originally meant for a different inscription.

 

Another possibility is that the cartouche was left blank & printer used it for more than one set of books.

I have a nine volume set of the Complete Works of Alexander Pope in very similar calf skin bindings, from 1766.

 

It's not loading on my computer, but there's a current listing on eBay:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Poetical-Works-of-John-Gay-vol-1-only-1777-/163234994731

Can't be sure if it's exactly the same edition (shouldn't be a problem for anyone else).

 

It's not the same one at all.

 

The first Edition of this book was printed in 1720, in a larger (quarto) Format. There are many editions in the years between 1720 and 1800.
You can buy a complete first edition from a dealer for 135 USD.
https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/Se...y=19&tn=poems on several occasions&prevpage=2

Your book is missing the second volume, which affects the value, so exactly your book (1767) can be found in good condition for under 20 USD. https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/Bo...entlyadded=all&cm_sp=snippet-_-srp1-_-title30

You should check if your book has all seven engravings, because sometimes they are ether not bound in, or cut out later.