London: Bradbury, Evans, and CO., 1852. Illustrated by John Leech (1894-1941). First Edition, First Printing. A Very Good Hardcover.

Green pebbled cloth covered boards with gilt blind-stamped decorations and titles. All edges gilt. Bindings tight and square. Text clean, light even toning. Moderate handling wear. Trace of foxing. 8vo; 8.5 inches tall; xii, 308 p., [10] p. of plates : ill. (some col.) ; 23 cm A few book-dealer notes and small ownership name on front endpages. [no date c1852] Illustrations by John Leech: 10 hand-colored plates and numerous wood engravings. First Edition, First Printing.

Very Good; No Dust Jacket As Issued. Item #008258

Irreverent recounting of British and Roman histories with illustrations. The style of writing was uncommon this early in the 19th century.

the Preface states, "to blend amusement with instruction by serving up, in as palatable a shape as [the author] could, the facts of English [and, later, Roman] history." Writer Becket worked with illustrator Leech on the staff of the poplar and influential humor magazine Punch, mainly burlesques and farces.

REF: Bodl: 011680456; Abbey Life 435; Knutz Watson, 1142.

Price: $195.00