Worsley, Richard, Sir | Extra-illustrated and with a fore-edge painting

Worsley, Richard, Sir

The History of the Isle of Wight. London: A. Hamilton; and Sold by R. Dodsley, T. Cadell, [and others], 1781

4to (302 x 238 mm). Large engraved folding map by John Haywood, partially handcolored in outline, engraved title-vignette, 31 engraved plates (19 double-page) by Vivares, Godfrey and others, a few engraved tailpiece vignettes, folding printed genealogical table, extra-illustrated with 13 aquatint plates by Charles Tomkins; map lightly offset and with short tear. Near-contemporary English red straightgrain morocco, spine gilt in six compartments, covers with gilt-ruled border, turn-ins gilt, edges gilt with a fore-edge painting of Carisbrooke Castle; spine a bit faded, extremities rather worn. 

An unusually attractive copy of The History of the Isle of Wight, written by Worsley during his tenure as governor of the county. Worsley was a noted antiquarian and the plates include two views of Appuldurcombe House, his home, which, until the arrival of the Elgin Marbles, housed the largest collection of ancient Greek sculpture in Britain.

REFERENCE:

Cox III: 427

PROVENANCE:

Wolfgang A. Herz (booklabel; Christie's New York, 9 December 2009, lot 85)