Ireland, Samuel.

Picturesque Views on the River Thames, from its Source in Gloucestershire to the Nore; With Observations on the Public Buildings and other Works of Art in its Vicinity. In Two Volumes. Vol. I [II].

1801. London: Printed by C. Clarke, Published by T. Egerton, 1801-2.

2 vols. 8vo, xvi, 209; [iv], 258 pp., recent full crimson morocco antique, spines decorated and lettered in gilt, covers gilt-ruled in an ivy pattern. Two engraved maps & two emblematic half-titles, 52 topographic plates, all aquatints printed in sepia; numerous woodcuts in text. Predictable offsetting, minute puncture due to paper flaw in plate of Marlow Bridge (opp. p. 195 in Vol. I); a beautiful set in a superb binding.

§ Third Edition; the first in 1792 and the second in 1799. The second in the fine series of pictorial tours issued by the entrepreneurial author, artist, and engraver who is today remembered primarily -- alas -- as the father and first victim of Shakespeare-forger William Henry Ireland. Although there are some provocative discrepancies between details of this set and the collation of the first edition in the Abbey Catalogue, the only significant alteration between editions seems to have been the replacement of the “East View of Staines (Old) Bridge.” The gossipy text is a lot of fun. [Abbey, Scenery..., 430. Cox, III, p. 180. Upcott, English Topography, CXLIII (Vol. III, pp. 768-770.)]. Item #102993

Price: $1,500.00