ALKEN, Henry

Illustrations to Popular Songs

London: Thomas M'Lean, 1823. Item #03001

“True Sportsmen are We for the Game Once in View”

ALKEN, Henry. Illustrations to Popular Songs. London: Published by Thomas M'Lean, 1822.

First edition, first issue. Oblong folio (9 1/4 x 13 3/4 inches; 235 x 347 mm.). [1] leaf (Address). Forty-two (of forty-three) hand-colored etched plates (including added pictorial title). All plates dated 1822. Each plate contains two to six comical scenes, including several hunting or sporting scenes, illustrating titles of popular songs.

Bound without the letterpress-title and the plate "No more I'll court the town bred fair &c"

Full contemporary russia, covers decoratively stamped in blind and gilt, front cover letters in gilt, spine with title stamped in blind, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers. Board edges a little rubbed. A very good copy.

“First issued in 1822, reissued in 1823, 1825, 1826, 1831” (Tooley).

"'Swans sing before they die --- 'twere no bad thing
"'Should some folks die before they sing.'

"So whispered a friend to Mr. Alken, when they were once compelled to hear the discordant notes of a volunteer at a convivial party. 'I wish it were so,' said the Artist, 'but the words of the Song furnish a good subject for a Sketch,' and he soon presented his friend with the Illustration of 'Begone Dull Care,' this was much approved of, and became the first 'Symptom' of the 'Illustrations of Popular Songs,' a Work intended to furnish the Amateur of the Fine Arts, and of Singing, with characteristic representations of his favourite subjects, that he may have the pleasure of beholding the Poet's fancy, embodied by the glowing warmth of the Artist's fertile imagination." (Introduction).

Schwerdt IV, p. 4 (1823 issue). Tooley 37. Not in Abbey.

Price: $1,100.00