Comic History of Rome and England Two Volume Set [ John Leech ]
$1,200
In stock
Description
Scarce two – volume illustrated Comic History of Rome and England illustrated with etchings by John Leech
Beckett, G.A.A. and Leech, John illustrator. The Comic History of Rome. Bradbury and Evans. 11 Bouverie Street [ London]. [1865]. First thus.
Beckett, G.A.A. and Leech, John, illustrator. The Comic History of England. Published at The Punch Offices, 85 Fleet St. [ London ] . [1865]. First thus.
Early two volume set of the delightful Comic Histories of Rome and England covering the rise and fall of the Roman Republic from the legendary arrival of Aeneas to the assassination of Julius Caesar and then jumping to the outskirts of the Empire for the story of England.
Illustrated throughout with in-line woodcut engravings and 30 hand colored plates based on etchings from John Leech , most famous for his work at Punch Magazine where Beckett was also employed , these entertaining histories offer a glimpse into Victorian England ‘s idealization of Rome and their own self-conception as the Empire’s successor.
This especially attractive example of the scarce 1865 two – volume edition features gilt board decorations inspired by Leech’s artwork and is perhaps the most elaborate binding of the early editions.
Volume 1 :
8vo, 308 pp, tooled green leatherette gilt decorated boards with blindstamped borders. Minor wear to spine. Rubbing with losses to lower fore corners. Ex libris “Joseph Chadwick / Cohoes” bookplate front pastedown. Faded ink presentation inscription first free endpaper. Hand colored frontispiece. Engraved title place. Gilt bookbock edges, rubbing bottom edge. Illustrated throughout. Very good.
Volume 2:
Large 80, 304 pp, tooled green leatherette boards with gilt decor and blinded stamped borders. Bubbling front board along spine hinge. Bottom far corner rubbed. Spine bruised. Gilt bookblock edges, lower corners worn. Presentation inscription dating to Christmas 1865 first free endpaper. Illustrated with 200 woodcuts and 20 hand colored plates. Very good.
If you liked these books, you might also enjoy this copy of Oliver Goldsmith’s Abridged History of Rome from one of Upstate New York State’s earliest printers.
