[Rarebooks] fa: ADVENTURES OF DOCTOR COMICUS - Rowlandson Dr. Syntax Imitation - COLOR PLATES 1815

[ArCh]

Auction ending Sunday, March 19. Images and more details can be found at the URL below or by searching for the seller name arch_in_la. 

https://tinyurl.com/2n9v76rr

Many thanks,
Ardwight Chamberlain
Ann Arbor, MI, USA


[William Combe; Thomas Rowlandson (imitation of):] The Adventures of Doctor Comicus or The Frolicks of Fortune. A Comic Satirical Poem for the Squeamish & the Queer. In Twelve Cantos, by a Modern Syntax. London: Printed for B. Blake, No. 13, Bell Yard, Temple Bar, [1815]. First edition, 8vo (23.5 cm), in original publisher's cloth-backed buff boards with printed spine label; later red cloth-covered chemise and morocco-backed slipcase; [2] + 269 + [1] pp.; with 15 hand-colored plates, including the engraved title-page (complete). Abbey 253; Tooley 431.

The first of a long line of imitations of Combe's and Rowlandson's popular Doctor Syntax series. Uncommon in the original binding. Loosely laid in is the front wrapper of the even more uncommon separately issued part no. 1,  published by Jaques & Wright. As Abbey explains: "For some reason it appears that only one number in part form was issued, the publication then passing from the hands of Jaques & Wright to that of B. Blake." Another edition was published in 1820 with only 12 plates. The year "1820" on the spine of the slipcase should be disregarded, as this copy is clearly the 1815 edition.

Front joint split with the front board nearly detached; some toning and light spotting to the text leaves and plates, but generally quite clean and fresh. Slipcase with modest wear, some darkening to the edges and the spine.