1864 The Comic History of England by A'Beckett. Illustrated with 20 pochoir etchings and two hundred engravings of John Leech.

The delightful Comic History of England, with 20 hand-coloured etchings, and two hundred woodcuts by John Leech. "Published at the Punch Office".

"The coloured plates are beautifully rendered, and though the woodcuts do not compare in execution with the etched plates they are as fine in conception, and show infinitely more subtle humor than the text. Among the most popular and best of Leech's work." - Tooley 295.

Both volume one, and volume two, are bound into this example.

Physical Attributes -

Measures approx. 21.5 x 14 x 3.5 cm, octavo. Green calf corners and spine, marbled paper covering the boards. All edges gilt (AEG). Spine with five raised bands; title and illustrator in gilt in two compartments, other with a central lozenge in gilt, "1864" in gilt at base of spine. Illustrated. Twenty pochoir (hand-coloured plates), and two hundred black and white engravings.

Pages - (1), 320, 304, (1).

Signatures - X8, second volumes starts B1 (but page 1) - U8, X2

Condition -

See pictures. Spine and corners look refreshed, one 2 cm rub on spine. Slight bit of dust at top edge. "2 vols in 1. Hand coloured plates" written on flyleaf. 1/2 title ghosted/foxed, like it was once against something stored in the book. A little chipping along fore-edge of first several leaves. Title page has some thumbing and several rust spots towards top. Occasional thumb, dog-ear, or random fox spot (as typical to paper from this age; cleaner than most). A little chipping to fore-edge of 263/264 and plate next to it. Thumbs on rear pastedown. Mostly a clean copy, with a few signs of history, but entirely readable and enjoyable to peruse.