ACKERMANN, RUDOLPH. 'THE MICROCOSM OF LONDON; OR, LONDON IN MINIATURE'. LONDON: R. ACKERMANN, [1808-1810, WATERMARKED 1806-1809]. 3 VOLS

3 volumes, 4to (339 x 275mm). Engraved dedication leaves, 104 hand-colored aquatint plates by Bluck, Stadler and others after Thomas Rowlandson and Augustus Pugin, watermarks 1806-09. Full red morocco, bound by Frank Lawrence Embree, covers with multiple gilt-rules, spine with raised bands in six compartments second and third gilt-lettered, others with repeat gilt floral and vine motif, all edges gilt, inner dentelles gilt, marbled endpapers; minor rubbing to extremities, corners slightly bumped, a few chips to morocco at joints. 

Abbey, 'Scenery' 212; Tooley 7

3 volumes, 4to (339 x 275mm). Engraved dedication leaves, 104 hand-colored aquatint plates by Bluck, Stadler and others after Thomas Rowlandson and Augustus Pugin, watermarks 1806-09. Full red morocco, bound by Frank Lawrence Embree, covers with multiple gilt-rules, spine with raised bands in six compartments second and third gilt-lettered, others with repeat gilt floral and vine motif, all edges gilt, inner dentelles gilt, marbled endpapers; minor rubbing to extremities, corners slightly bumped, a few chips to morocco at joints.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

First edition. Many plates in the first state. 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).