The Microcosm of London

London: R. Ackermann, 1810. leather_bound. Contemporary brown Russia, a dark reddish brown calf. Very good. iv, [2], 231; [6], vi, 239; [4], iv, 280, [6] pages. Folio, 35 x 29 cm. Contents leaf in the first state. The key plates, some in first, some are later. Plate water marks mostly early, primarily 1807 & 1808 in Vol. I. Wood engraved title page and dedication in each volume. 104 hand-colored aquatint engravings by Rowlandson and Pugin [Pugin engraved the architectural details, Rowlandson the figures] in mixed states with accompanying accompanying text, plus half titles and dedication leaves. Thirty-two plates each, Vols. I-II, and forty plates, Vol. III. Errata note end of Vol. III are uncorrected. Letterpress of the first two volumes supplied by W.H. Pyne with the third volume written by William Combe, who worked with Ackermann until his death in 1823. This work remains a cornerstone of the color-plate book. TOOLEY, 7. "The `Microcosm of London' is one of the great colour-plate books ..........The plates by Rowlandson and Pugin present an unrivaled picture of London in early 19th century, of historic value, as many of the buildings no longer exist.........As a picture book alone the work will always command a good price......" ABBEY SCENERY 212. Index. Minor toning and offsetting of plates to text. Owner inscription inside front cover pastedown of Robt. Honeyman elegantly written in black script. Contemporary reback, raised bands, marbled endpapers with matching marbled edges. Covers with gilt and blind edge panels.