Select Views of London

Papworth's "Select Views of London," with Seventy-Six Hand-Colored Aquatint Plates,
in a Fine Contemporary Regency Binding

PAPWORTH, John P. Select Views of London; with Historical and Descriptive Sketches of Some of the Most Interesting of Its Public Buildings. London: Printed for R. Ackermann, by J. Diggens, 1816.

First edition, first issue, with Papworth's name on the title-page. Large octavo (9 7/8 x 6 15/16 inches; 251 x 176 mm.). [8], 159 pp. Seventy-six hand-colored aquatint plates, including five double-page folding plates. Plates watermarked 1815.

Contemporary Regency calf, neatly rebacked, with the original spine laid down. Covers decoratively bordered in gilt, spine decoratively tooled in gilt in compartments, with black morocco gilt lettering label. A little light offsetting from the plates to the text. Armorial bookplate of Frank Brewer Bemis and bookplate of Gladys Robinson on the front pastedown. An excellent early copy. Housed in a tan cloth slipcase.

According to Abbey, "copies exist without the name of Papworth on the title-page, but no evidence can be adduced regarding priority of issue. Copies carrying Papworth's name are somewhat scarcer than those without" (Abbey, Scenery).

Abbey, Scenery, 217. Tooley 361.

Price: $8,500

   (To order this item, or for more information, please call 818-222-4103)