The Art and Practice of Etching; with Directions for other Methods of Light and Entertaining Engraving

London: S. & J. Fuller, 1849. 8vo. 185 x 135 mm. (7 1/4 x 5 1/4 inches). 58, [1] pp., plus 5 pp. ads. Illustrated with nine plates include four aquatints. Bound in publisher's brown cloth, gilt title on upper board, title in blind on lower board; binding faded, some wear to the spine. Gift presentation dated 1849. First edition. Manual of etching by one of England's most important 19th century engravers, whose contribution to sporting illustration and recreational images made an important contribution to early Victorian publishing. Alken's manual includes a glossary of various methods of etching, tools used in the process and a step by step guide to the practice of art form. He illustrated his work with nine examples that show different processes and their outcomes. Bigmore & Wyman I, p. 4. Hind, A Short History of Engraving and Etching, pp. 237, 397.