Repton, Humphry

Sketches and Hints on Landscape Gardening. London: Printed by W. Bulmer and Co., Shakspeare Printing-Office, and sold by J. and J. Boydell ... and by G. Nicol, [1794]

Oblong folio (10 1/4 x 13 3/4 in.; 260 350 mm). Half-title, 10 handcolored engraved plates (4 double-page) with one or more overslips, 6 engraved plates colored in grisaille (4 with overslips), a few woodcut text illustrations; occasional light marginal spotting or soiling, a few marginal dampstains, small MHS stamp in a lower corner of each plate not affecting images. Contemporary diced calf and marbled boards, gilt rule, spine richly gilt; rebacked with original spine laid down, corners and edges rubbed, covers scraped.

Henry Gee Barnard (engraved armorial bookplate) — Massachusetts Horticultural Society (library rules mounted on front pastedown)

Abbey, Scenery 388; Henry 1269; Johnston, Cleveland Herbal 630

Sketches and Hints on Landscape Gardening. London: Printed by W. Bulmer and Co., Shakspeare Printing-Office, and sold by J. and J. Boydell ... and by G. Nicol, [1794] Oblong folio (10 1/4 x 13 3/4 in.; 260 350 mm). Half-title, 10 handcolored engraved plates (4 double-page) with one or more overslips, 6 engraved plates colored in grisaille (4 with overslips), a few woodcut text illustrations; occasional light marginal spotting or soiling, a few marginal dampstains, small MHS stamp in a lower corner of each plate not affecting images. Contemporary diced calf and marbled boards, gilt rule, spine richly gilt; rebacked with original spine laid down, corners and edges rubbed, covers scraped.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition of Repton's first book on landscape gardening. Repton was the first to adopt the term "landscape gardener," explaining that "the art can only be advanced and perfected by the united powers of the landscape painter and the practical gardener. The former must conceive a plan, which the latter may be able to execute ... the luxuriant imagination of the painter must be subjected to the gardener's practical knowledge in planting, digging, and moving earth" (introduction).

This work is based on the "Red Books" he did for improvements on various estates, and features engraved overslips depicting the landscape as it originally appeared, with the landscape as improved by Repton's designs underneath. The work was issued by subscription, and according to Repton, fewer than 250 copies were produced.