ENGRAVINGS From Alexander Pope's Rape of the Lock

The University of Florida holds two editions of Pope's Rape of the Lock: the first complete (1714) and the fourth (1715), both published by Bernard Lintot. Each contains six prints from copperplates engraved by Claude Du Bosc after illustrations by Louis Du Guernier. As copperplate engravings soon show wear in printing, various states can be seen from the first print to the last in a long run. Often in particulary extended runs, especially for multiple editions, the wear becomes very obvious. In such cases, it is not unusual for the plate to be touched up.

The engravings from the two editions of the Rape of the Lock presented here are a fine example of such touching up. They are graphic examples of why research must include as many editions and copies as possible.