first edition Full Calf
1901 · London
by Boulton, William B.
London: John C. Nimmo, 1901. First Edition. Full Calf. Near Fine. 8vo. 23 by 17 cm. Covers such now obscure activities as bear baiting and cattle baiting as well as the the perpetual diversion of gambling. Long nostalgic histories of Vauxhall and visits to the more disreputable and more forgotten Hockley, where cruder, raffish blood sports were the thing. Highly entertaining work, with the color plates after Alken, Rowlandson and others. A lovely full calf Riviere binding, with elaborate gilt ornamentation on the spine, five raised bands, gilt dentelles and turn ins, marbled endpapers. Occasional stain spots, and a few chips from the cutting of the leaves. Overall a beautiful, unique copy.
(Inventory #: 004395)