This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2022
[CRUIKSHANK, Robert (1789–1856), illustrator]. –– WESTMACOTT, Charles Molloy (“Bernard Blackmantle”) (1788–1868). The English Spy: An Original Work, Characteristic, Satirical and Humorous. Comprising Scenes and Sketches in Every Rank of Society, Being Portraits of the Illustrious, Eminent, Eccentric, and Notorious. London: Sherwood, Jones, and Co., 1825. 2 volumes, 8vo. 71 hand–colored aquatints, mostly by Cruikshank, several by Rowlandson and others; one uncolored woodcut plate and 74 wood engravings in text. (Some offsetting from plates to text). Early tan calf ruled in gilt, spine in 6 compartments with 5 raised bands, chocolate and orange morocco lettering pieces gilt in two compartments, others completely gilt tooled, gilt dentelles, all edges gilt, stamp–signed by Riviere & Son (upper cover on Vol. II professionally reattached, others discretely reinforced). Includes several pencil notations in text identifying many of the “disguised” persons mentioned. Provenance: William Jennings (armorial bookplate). FIRST EDITION originally published in 24 monthly parts, The English Spy is described by Prideaux as “perhaps the most daring book ever published,” as many of the characters were drawn from life, including Lord Byron, Beau Brummell, Pierce Egan, Pea-green Hayne, Henry Brougham, and the Duke of Wellington, who were instantly recognizable to its early readers. With the FIRST ISSUE misprints according to Tooley but argued by Abbey as being without any bibliographical significance. Abbey Life 325; Hardie, pp. 191–92; Prideaux, pp. 310; Tooley 504.