Although the difference between Nos. 1 and 2 is perfectly evident when the two plates are compared side by side, the details of No. 1 are so faithfully re-engraved in No. 2 that a definite mark of differentiation is difficult to give. In No. 1 the spacing of the letters in "vicum" in the inscription at the left of the vignette is uneven; there is too much space between "v" and its adjacent letters. This is not so in No. 2. In No. 2, on the other hand, the "o" in "deferor" is raised above the line, as it is not in No. 1. Perhaps the surest means is measurement; No. 1 is 4 inches in height; No. 2, 3-7/8 inches.
No. 3 is much smaller and has very evidently been re-engraved. The spelling "Heywood" is found here instead of "Haywood," as in Nos. 1 and 2. In No. 4 the caption of the paper in the right foreground is "The Free Briton" instead of "Bakers journal," as in Nos. 1, 2, and 3.
Collation: Title printed from a copper-plate, with vignette of the Ass, No. 1, one leaf (verso blank). "Pieces contained in this Book," a1 (verso blank). Advertisement, a2. "Letter to the Publisher," a3-b4 (verso quotations). Pages 1-16. Half-title, "Martinus Scriblerus his Prolegomena to the Dunciad," B1 (verso blank). "Testimonies of Authors," B2-D3 recto. "Martinus Scriblerus, of the Poem," D3 verso-E1. "Dunciados Periocha," E2-E3 (verso blank). Half-title, "The Dunciad, in three books, with Notes Variorum," E4 (verso blank). Text, F1-O4, in fours, P1-P2, and Q1-Q2 (verso blank). "M. Scriblerus Lectori," Errata, Q3 recto. Index of Persons, Q3 verso-Q4 (verso "Index of Author's"). Half-title of Appendix, R1 (verso "Pieces contained in the Appendix"). Appendix, R2-X1 (verso "A List of All our Author's Genuine Works"). "Index of Things," X2-X4. Pages 11-18 and cxix-cxxiv. Addenda, one leaf (verso blank).
POPE, Alexander.—The Dunciad, variorvm. 1729. 4to, red levant morocco, gilt back and sides, gilt top, uncut edges, by The Club Bindery.
Another copy, uncut.
Collation: The same as the preceding copy, excepting that it lacks the final leaf of Addenda.
POPE, Alexander.—The Dunciad, variorvm. 1729. 4to, red levant morocco, gilt back and sides, gilt edges, by The Club Bindery.
Another copy, with the inscription on the title-page, "J. Caryll. Ex dono authoris."
Collation: The same as the preceding copy.
POPE, Alexander.—The Dunciad, variorvm. With the Prolegomena of Scriblerus. [vignette of the Ass] London. Printed for A. Dob. [sic] 1729. 8vo, blue levant morocco, gilt back, side panels in floral design, uncut edges, by The Club Bindery.