Memoirs of Joseph Grimaldi. Edited by "Boz"
London: Richard Bentley, 1838. Cruikshank, George. First edition, second issue. leather_bound. 288, 263 pages. 19 x 12.5 cm. Half–titles, EXTRA–ILLUSTRATED WITH 61 ENGRAVINGS including the 12 etchings by George Cruikshank, many hand–colored and folding (including a play bill from the Drury Lane Theater announcing his last public appearance, Friday, June 27. 1828), several proofs before letters. Grimaldi was considered the most celebrated of English clowns, know particularly for his pantomime. An early work of Dickens, who wrote the preface, the last chapter, and edited this work on the famous English actor and clown according to Johnson's biography. Gilt stamped, bound by Baytun; issue with the plate "Last Song" without a border. Spine in six compartments, raised bands gilt lettered, inner dentelles, original brown cloth bound in at end, marbled endpapers with spine lettered at foot noting "Extra Illustrated." ECKLES p.152-153. GIMBEL B64. Full green levant with large central pictorial inlays of Grimaldi as a clown and as another theatrical character in various color morocco's within a geometric gilt frame. Aeg. Two vols. Item #23785
Price: $6,900.00