Fine Books and Manuscripts

[Fine Binding] À Beckett, Gilbert Abbott. The Comic History of Rome [and] The Comic History of England. London: Bradbury, Agnew, and Co., n.d. [1851 and 1863]. Includes The Comic History of Rome (later issue with the added “Co.” to imprint; half calf over marbled boards, re-backed with original backstrip laid down); and The Comic History of England (undated edition reissued in 1863; contemporary half red calf over marbled boards, compartments with elaborate gilt scrollwork and centerpieces; backstrip cracking with small loss to label). 8vo. Engraved title in The Comic History of Rome, hand-colored engraved frontispiece in The Comic History of England + numerous engraved plates and intertextual illustrations by John Leech who was best known for his work in Punch magazine. Extremities rubbed, marginal toning occasionally; contents very good. See Tooley 297 & 298.