Specimens of Riding near London

London: Thomas M'Lean, 1821. Alken's Rare Satire
Successfully Transplants Horse's Ass to Rider's Seat

ALKEN, Henry. Specimens of Riding Near London. Drawn from Life. London: Published by Thomas M'Lean, 1821.

First edition. Oblong folio (10 x 13 3/4 inches; 254 x 350 mm.). Printed title and eighteen hand-colored engraved plates. Slight damp-staining to blank margin of upper corners, Some light soiling and occasional spotting, especially on plate 13. Plate 16 repaired at outer margin, a few plates with marginal repairs or restoration. Plate Nos. 4, 14, 15 and 17 watermarked "J. Whatman 1821".

Bound by Maclehose of (truncated) Glasgow ca. 1910 in half dark red morocco over red cloth boards, front cover lettered in gilt. Spine with five raised bands ruled in blind, marbled endpapers. Some staining to front cover, rubbed at extremities.

A good copy only as reflected in the price.

A work of great rarity with only one copy of the first edition, 1821 (with 17 plates only) and only three copies of the second edition (1823), coming to auction within the last thirty-five years. The last copy appeared over twenty-two years ago.

The Plates:

1. One of the comforts of riding in company. H. Alken 1821.
2. Symptoms of Things going downhill. H. Alken 1821.
3. The pleasure of riding in company. One would stop if the other Could. H. Alken 1821.
4. Preparing for the Easter Hunt (I shall be over Jack). H. Alken 1821. (J. Whatman 1821)
5. The Consequences of having plenty of company on the Road. H. Alken 1821.
6. A thing of the last consequence. H. Alken 1821.
7. Perfectly satisfied. S. Alken del et sc. Augt. 1, 1821.
8. Dissatisfied. S. Alken del et sc. Augt. 1, 1821.
9. Delighted. S. Alken del et sc. Augt. 1, 1821.
10. Surprised. S. Alken del et sc. Augt. 1, 1821.
11. Displeased. S. Alken del et sc. Augt. 1, 1821.
12. Terrified. S. Alken del et sc. Augt. 1, 1821.
13. Lords - View in Hyde Park. Oct. 1, 1821.
14. Knights - View in the City Road. Oct. 1, 1821. (J. Whatman 1821)
15. Fancy - View near Grays Inn Road. Drawn and Engraved by S. Alken Septr. 1, 1821. (J. Whatman 1821)
16. Taste - View near Knigtsbridge. (Bound as frontispiece). Drawn and Engraved by S. Alken Septr. 1, 1821.
17. Folly - View near Acton. Drawn and Engraved by S. Alken Septr. 1, 1821. (J. Whatman 1821)
18. Yeomanry of England paying a visit. H. Alken del et sc. 1821.

Bobins II, 766; Dixon, 64; Mellon/Snelgrove, 74; Siltzer, p. 70; Tooley, 51. (Inventory #: 05892)