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Printed for the Author, by W. Bulmer and Co. Shakspeare Press. 1817. First Edition, large 8vo, 3 vols., half-titles, [vi],vi,[ii],ccxxv,[1],410,[2]; [iv],535,[2]; [iv],544,[4]pp., 37 of 38 engraved plates (without plate 9 which was not ready at time of publication and only occurs in a few copies, its absence does not render a copy imperfect, note also that plate called for at Vol. III p.303 was bound in Vol. II p.303), numerous woodcuts engravings, full polished tan calf by Rivière & Son, hinges very slightly cracked, gilt border on covers, spines have five raised bands, 2 panels have gilt lettered morocco labels and the remaining panels elaborately gilt, spines darkened to brown, minor rubbing, all edges gilt, overall a clean tight copy in very good condition. “It is perhaps the most lavish of all Dibdin’s works... Dibdin states that over £4500 was spent on its production, the composition alone amounting to six guineas a sheet. Its publication was a financial success and doubtless marks the high-water mark of the Dibdinian bibliomania. On the 9th of December 1817 Dibdin gave a dinner in celebration of the publication of this book to which he invited a dozen of his Roxburghe Club friends...” - Jackson. Jackson 40; Windle & Pippin A28. |
