ACKERMANN, Rudolph (publisher).

Microcosm of London.

      London: T. Bensley for R. Ackermann, [1808-1810, pre-publication watermarks]. - 3 volumes, 4to., (12 5/8 x 10 2/8 inches). Half-title in volume one bound in before the text (other half-titles lacking). Wood-engraved title-pages (that to volume 2 laid down with neatly repaired tears), engraved dedication leaves, 104 hand-coloured aquatint plates by Buck, Stadler and others after Thomas Rowlandson and Pugin. (slight rubbing, soiling or offsetting to about 18 plates.) 19th-century red morocco gilt, covers panelled with elaborate cornerpieces, spines in six compartments with raised bands, lettered in the second and fourth, the others with repeat decoration, all edges gilt (very slight scuffing to extremities, one or two surface tears). Provenance: With the leather library labels of William Foyle (1885-1963), bookseller, on the front paste-down of each volume, his sale 12th July 2000. First edition, an early issue, and a handsome copy. With early watermarks and seven of the first-issue pointers as listed by Abbey: 'A copy can be regarded as satisfactory if it carries seven or eight of the. plates, in first state'. From the distinguished library of William Foyle, whose pencilled notes on this copy are loosely inserted. Abbey Scenery 212. Catalogue description prepared for and on behalf of Arader Galleries.