ACKERMANN, RUDOLPH | Microcosm of London. London: Ackermann, [1808-1810, pre-publication watermarks]

ACKERMANN, RUDOLPH

Microcosm of London. London: Ackermann, [1808-1810, pre-publication watermarks]

3 volumes, 4to (12 5/8 x 10 1/4 in.; 320 x 263 mm). Half-title to Vol. I, wood-engraved titles, engraved dedications, 104 handcolored aquatint plates by Buck, Stadler and others after Thomas Rowlandson and Pugin; half-title to Vol. I bound in before the text, other half-titles lacking, Vol. II title laid down with neatly repaired tears, slight rubbing soiling or offsetting to about 18 plates, some toning and minor foxing. Full red 19th-century morocco, covers panelled with elaborate cornerpieces all in gilt, spines with raised bands in six compartments, second and fourth gilt, the others with repeat gilt filigree ornament, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers; minor rubbing to extremities, slight damage to leather of upper cover of Vol.I, and lower cover of Vol II, some minor spotting to covers.

First edition

An early copy of "one of the great colour-plate books... The plates by Rowlandson and Pugin present an unrivalled picture of London in the early nineteenth century, of historic value, as many of the buildings no longer exist" (Tooley). The present copy is from the distinguished library of William Foyle. 

REFERENCES

Abbey, Scenery 212

PROVENANCE

William Foyle (booklabel to front pastedowns; his sale, Christie's New York, 11 July 2000, lot 762)