Pope, Alexander.

4to, first edition,  griffith's first isue, without half-title or final advertisement leaf, lines unnumbered, engraved head-piece and initial,  modern quarter red morocco, some slight creasing and spotting

Griffith 2; Rothschild 1562

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

first edition of pope's first separate publication, issued just before his twenty-third birthday.

Samuel Johnson wrote of the poem that it shows "such extent of comprehension, such nicety of distinction, such acquaintance with mankind, and such knowledge both of ancient and modern learning as are not often attained by the maturest age and longest experience".  An Essay on Critisicm contains some of the most well-known lines in the English language, including "To err, is human, to forgive divine", "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread", and "A little learning is a dangerous thing".