GIL BLAS by Alain Rene Le Sage, Translated by Tobias Smollett, A Modern Abridgment with An Introduction by Bergen Evans

Here for your delectation is the SPECTACULAR & RARE------------------GIL BLAS by Alain Rene Le Sage, Translated by Tobias Smollett, A Modern Abridgment with An Introduction by Bergen Evans. Gil is filled with ennui............................. Tobias Smollett, in the preface to his first novel, The Adventures of Roderick Random (1748), acknowledges the influence of Alain René Le Sage’s L’Histoire de Gil Blas de Santillane (1715–35 in four volumes) on his work. By far the most successful of “useful and entertaining” romances, Smollett writes, Gil Blas describes “the knavery and foibles of life, with infinite humour and sagacity.” “The following sheets,” he adds significantly, “I have modeled on his plan.” Smollett’s translation of Gil Blas appeared nine months after the publication of Roderick Random. This chronicle of a merry, philosophical young man whose adventures lead him into all levels of society from the highest to the lowest, presents special problems for a translator. Smollett, without always adhering to the literal expression of the novel’s language, is true to its style, spirit, and ideas. After two and a half centuries, his remains the finest translation of this humorous, satiric, and classic French novel. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! This is the softcover stated PREMIER FIRST EDITION from APRIL 1962. Other than scraping on the cover and a hint of stiffness from storage, the book is in excellent reading condition. There are no rips, tears, markings, etc.---and the pages and binding are tight (see photo). ** All books listed as FIRST EDITIONS are stated by the publisher in words or number lines--or--only stated editions that include only the publisher and publication date. Check my feedback to see that I sell exactly as I describe. So bid now for this magnificent, impossible-to-find LITERARY COLLECTIBLE.