This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/26/2022
[DRUMMOND, Henry (1786–1860)]. Histories of Noble British Families with Biographical Notices of the Most Distinguished Individuals in Each. London: William Pickering, 1846 [no imprint but printed by Whittington]. 2 volumes, atlas folio (555 x 380 mm). 82 plates, many hand–colored, numerous illustrations in text, wood–engraving on india paper of Dunglass Collegiate Church tipped in at p. 19 in Volume II (few plates foxed near margins, else clean). Original half dark green morocco, raised bands, gilt–lettered in compartments, top edge gilt, stamp–signed by Hayday (light rubbing to extremes, else fine). Provenance: Hugh Grosvenor, 1st Duke of Westminster (1825–1899), bookplate. FIRST EDITION. A survey of 12 noble British families magnificently displaying Whittingham’s skill as a printer in combining text, family trees and tables with woodcut views and hand–colored coats of arms and crests, many famous portraits, as well as numerous interiors and exteriors of many of the greatest English houses and Scottish castles. ONE OF THE RAREST AND LOVELIEST OF ALL PICKERING PUBLICATIONS. “A very elaborate work… only a small number printed” (Keynes 64). From the private library of a distinguished Chicago book collector.