Beschreibung:

The Microcosm of London Thomas Rowlandson & A.C. Pugin, 1808-10 ROWLANDSON, Thomas (1756-1827) and PUGIN, Augustus Charles (1762-1832). The Microcosm of London; or London in Miniature. London: Rudolph Ackermann [1808-10]. An exceptionally fine copy of an early issue, on paper watermarked 1806-08: “original impressions of these splendid plates have a luminous quality entirely absent from later printings” (Abbey). According to Abbey, the work was originally issued in 26 monthly parts, and early impressions bound from these parts can be distinguished by watermarks dated 1806-1808 (as here); the contents leaf without ‘Vol. I’ (as here); and the 12 of 13 uncorrected errata (as here, although the printed errata of vol. 3 have been corrected in manuscript). “The Microcosm of London is one of the great colour-plate books, and a carefully selected copy should form the corner stone of any collection of books on this subject. The plates of Rowlandson and Pugin present an unrivalled picture of London in early 19th century, of historic value, as many of the buildings no longer exist” (Tooley). Abbey Scenery 212; Tooley 7. Three volumes, large quarto (328 x 269mm). Letterpress half-titles, engraved titles, engraved dedication leaves in each volume, and 104 hand-colored aquatint plates by Bluck, Stadler and others after Rowlandson and Pugin (small repair to contents leaf of vol. 1, light offsetting and marginal spotting to a handful of plates). Late 19th century red gilt-ruled straight-grain morocco, spine and all edges gilt; custom red cloth slipcases. Provenance : David and Lulu Borowitz (bookplate).