Austin Dobson — Eighteenth Century Vignettes

London, Chatto & Windus, 1892-1894. First edition. Leather. Beautifully bound extra-illustrated copies of the first edition of the first and second series of Austin Dobson's collection of literary essays, with volume I being signed by the author himself. Extra-illustrated examples of the first edition of the first and second series of this work. A third series was published in 1896.Flat signed by Dobson himself to the limitation leaf of volume I. Volume I is number 30 of 250 specially illustrated large paper copies, with volume II being number 102 of 200 specially illustrated large paper copies.In beautiful half morocco signed bindings by Bayntun Riviere.This work is a collection of historical essays by English poet and essayist Henry Austin Dobson, offering a series of portraits and reflections on notable figures and artists of the eighteenth century, including discussion of Hogarth, Bewick, Gainsborough, Reynolds and others.Volume I is illustrated with the frontispiece and six plates called for, in addition to a further ninety-one additional plates.Volume II is illustrated with a frontispiece and fifteen plates called for, in addition to one-hundred further plates.The vast majority of these extra illustrations are portraits.A wonderful extra-illustrated example of this work. In signed half morocco bindings, with cloth covered boards. Gilt detailing to back strips. Externally, lovely. Rubbing to joints and board perimeters, with light rubbing to volume I raised bands and back strip tail. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright, with only the odd spot. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: Not Stated. Very Good Indeed .