Description

Full-Leather. An Original Work, Characteristic, Satirical and Humorous Comprising Scenes and Sketches in Every Rank of Society, Being Portraits of the Illustrious, Eminent, Eccentic, and Notorious. Drawn from Life by Bernard Blackmantle. London, 1825, 1826 First Edition, First Issue: {Vol. I plate 28 misdated 1284 and page 222 blank.} 2 volumes, bound by Zaehnsdorf in full polished beige leather, with inner dentelles, raised spine, and a.e.g. Complete with 71 hand colored aquatint plates, one full page wood-engraving [the original, not a facsimile as is so often the case], and 74 woodcuts in the text, after Robert Cruikshank. Actually 68 are by Cruikshank, 2 by Rowlandson, and 1 by T. Wageman and G.M. Brightly. Both volumes appear to have been rebacked at an early date, with backstrip color a deep maroon. Two leather spine labels on each volume; one in black and the other beige. Plates offset onto facing page but color still bold. Books show moderate shelfwear, and rubbing, especially at outer joints, , else a sound, tight set. Abbey Life 325, Tooley 504.