Greenwich Hospital, A Series Of Naval Sketches, Descriptive of The Life Of A Man-Of-War's Man. By An Old Sailor (Matthew Henry Barker)
London: James Robbins, 1826. First edition. Hardcover. 200 pages. 27 1/2 x 22 cm. Twelve hand-colored plates, tissue guards, designed and engraved by Cruikshank -- the plate facing p.61 with partially augmented by an amateur hand. With sixteen woodcuts in the text. ABBEY SCENERY 226. COHN 53. This, the collected edition, an utmost rarity in the original parts is nevertheless, early and excellent Cruikshank. The latter illustrated a host of naval titles authored by Barker. A thematic precursor to Gilbert & Sullivan without music: brave, honest and naive seamen diligently serving the Crown. Plates clean and brightly colored with text also fresh. Spine wear at backstrip extremities, corner and joint rubbing, raised bands, spine panels decorated in gilt maritime motifs, author's signature in gilt, bookplate. 19th century three quarter black morocco and blue cloth. Very good. Item #15718
Price: $650.00