Lot 161

Oxford Almanack, The.

Estimate

5,000 - 7,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

A Collection of 83 broadsides. [Oxford, 1717-1799]

83 engraved broadsides, large folio (545 x 330mm.; the sheets various sizes, the largest unfolded 610 x 535mm.), mounted on guards and folded horizontally, contemporary half calf over marbled boards, flat spine gilt, one sheet (1762) with lower margin cut to plate mark, joints and corners rather rubbed

Provenance

G. E[yre], 1800

Literature

Petter, Helen M. The Oxford Almanack 1674-1946 (New York, O.U.P., 1946)

Catalogue Note

a fine run of the oxford almanack from 1717-1799. The first Oxford Almanack was issued in 1674, engraved by Robert White and printed at the University Press under the supervision of Dr Fell. From 1676 until 1723 the almanacks were all designed and engraved by Michael Burghers and depicted alleogorical subjects; the meaning of some is now obscure. The year 1723 was the first in which a topographical view replaced the old style. It was a combined effort by Burghers and George Vertue, the latter being responsible for many issues in this collection. Occasionally there was a return to alleogorical scenes, e.g. in 1762-1764. From 1770-1788 Michael Rooker drew and engraved a fine series of views within Oxford, enlivened by the addition of figures and some rural touches such as cattle grazing in Christ Church meadow.