first edition Full Calf
1816 · London
by Ackermann, Rudolph
London: R. Ackermann, 1816. First Edition. Full Calf. Very Good. Folio-sized. 34.5 by 28 cm. 48 hand-colored plates, 44 of which are views, four, costume. Pagination is separate for each of the schools: vi (including list of subscribers), 56, 72, 40, 32, 43, 34, 34, 27, 22, [1] pp. The greatest number of plates are devoted to Eton and Winchester, which get ten each, with the other schools genreally receiving five each. The plates capture the architectural glory of these institutions, as well as the romance that had already gathered around them, with nary an acknowledgment of the underside of their strict and spartan regime. Scattered foxing, heavy at times, but most leaves and plates are in fact clean. Sometimes heavy offsetting from the plates onto the facing pages. Full contemporary calf with gothic architectural motive and border decoration blindstamped. Rebacking, with original spine preserved and laid on. Some small chips and scuffs to the leather. Notwithstanding its wear, it remains decidedly handsome.
(Inventory #: 003773)