This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2022
[BOOKS ABOUT BOOKS]. DIBDIN, Thomas Frognall (1776–1847). A Bibliographical Antiquarian and Picturesque Tour in France and Germany. London: W. Bulmer and W. Nicol at the Shakespeare Press for the author, 1821. 3 volumes, royal 8vo (249 x 176 mm). Half–titles, 83 engraved plates (some folding), 64 india paper prints in the text (some spotting to plates, offsetting to text from in text illustrations). Early straight grain morocco gilt framed with leafy cornerpieces, rebacked preserving original spine gilt, all edges gilt (light edgewear, small chip to spine compartment in Vol. III). FIRST EDITION, regular paper issue, one of 900 copies. “The collation is very irregular by reason of the fact that all illustrations in the text, being printed on india paper pasted-in, are on separately inserted leaves... This Voyage Picturesque is lavishly illustrated, mainly with copperplates after drawings by G.R. Lewis and others. Dibdin says he spent over 7000 pounds on the book, being the first patron to pay 100 guineas for a plate ... It has been unkindly said of this book that it would have been better without any text. However, it does contain a modicum of bibliographical information that is still useful if used with due caution” (Jackson). Lowndes notes that it “contains much useful and curious information” on the libraries and private collections of Europe. Jackson 48; Lowndes I, 641; Windle & Pippin A38a.