The Ricky Jay Collection Part III

GANTZ, John (1772 – 1853). Indian Microcosm. Madras: John Gantz & Son, 1827-8. Two lithographs of the “Air Man,” followed by 20 lithographs of various subjects (numbered 1-20), with title sheets, and printed and hand-numbered title labels on the verso of each plate. 4to. Disbound (title sheet and last plate chipped with losses in margin). A RARE complete collection of the Indian Microcosm, with the addition of Gantz’s plates of the levitating “Air Man” (“Besides several exhibitions in Legerdemain, the most uncommon and surprising exploit which he performs is sitting in the air.”). [With]: a watercolor of the “Air Man” (10 ¼ x 6 ¾”), based on Gantz’s Sketch No. 2. Jay’s Journal, pp. 136-7. Abbey, Travel 445.