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Cambrian Popular Antiquities, The
London: Printed for E. Williams, 1815. Item #05852
With Nine Hand Colored Aquatint Plates
Depicting the Traditions, Customs, and Superstitions of Wales
ROBERTS, Peter. The Cambrian Popular Antiquities; or, an Account of some Traditions, Customs, and Superstitions, of Wales: with Observations as to their origin, &c. &c. Illustrated with Copper-Plates, Coloured from Nature. London: Printed for E. Williams, 1815.
First edition. Octavo (8 3/4 x 5 1/2 inches; 222 x 140 mm.). [iii]-viii, [1]-333, [334, list of plates] pp. Nine hand colored aquatint plates, all with tissue guards. Bound without half-title. Small expert repair to upper blank inner margin of title-page and index leaves. Neat repair to blank margin of pp. 159/160. Some occasional light marginal foxing.
Early twentieth century three quarter tan calf over marbled boards, ruled in gilt. Spine with five raised bands decoratively tooled in gilt in compartments, red morocco label lettered in gilt, top edge gilt, others uncut. Slight wear to top of spine. A very good example.
"The interest in Wales, from the point of view of the tourist a newly discovered country, showed itself in the production of numerous illustrated books… The earliest book on our list is by a Welshman, Peter Roberts, rector of Llanarmon, and vicar of Madeley, who was an ardent student of its history and traditions. The Cambrian Popular Antiquities (1815), an account of the traditions, customs, and superstitions of Wales, is illustrated by nine plates by J. Havell."
Peter Roberts (c.1760–1819) was a Welsh Anglican divine and antiquary. He graduated MA at Dublin, was ordained, and held successively several livings. His chief works were Sketch of the Early History of the Cymry, 1803, and Cambrian Popular Antiquities, 1815.
The Plates:
1. The Bidder (frontispiece)
2. Fives Playing
3. Easter Monday
4. The Quintain
5. Singing to the Harp & Dancing
6. The Funeral
7. The Fairies
8. The Bow of War & Peace
9. Ancient Method of Reaping
Facing p. 213 is a black & white engraving, Plan of the City of Troy as Delineated by the Welsh Shepherds.
Abbey, Scenery 520; Bobins 713; Prideaux, pp. 278 & 349; Tooley 403.
Price: $750.00