By Robert Bowyer
Very Rare: 196 Plates for David Hume’s History of England (Bowyer Edition, 1793)
£575.00
A large and very rare volume containing 196 engraved plates for David Hume’s History of England, Bowyer edition, published by the Historic Gallery, Pall Mall, London, in 1793. This impressive folio-sized book (47.5 cm tall) features plates in good condition for their age, with light patina, spotting, and tanning around the edges. The first plate, depicting David Hume, is nearly detached, and the spine cloth is detached from the text block, requiring restoration. The vast majority of plates are still firmly attached to the text block. Boards are sturdy with some edge wear, bumping, and cloth tears to both sides (see images). It’s unclear how many plates were included in this folio; Bowyer’s edition contained 197 plates, and after recounting three times we’ve established this volume contains 196. A similar, two-volume set can be found at The Royal Academy of Arts.
By Robert Bowyer
Very Rare: 196 Plates for David Hume’s History of England (Bowyer Edition, 1793)
£575.00
A large and very rare volume containing 196 engraved plates for David Hume’s History of England, Bowyer edition, published by the Historic Gallery, Pall Mall, London, in 1793. This impressive folio-sized book (47.5 cm tall) features plates in good condition for their age, with light patina, spotting, and tanning around the edges. The first plate, depicting David Hume, is nearly detached, and the spine cloth is detached from the text block, requiring restoration. The vast majority of plates are still firmly attached to the text block. Boards are sturdy with some edge wear, bumping, and cloth tears to both sides (see images). It’s unclear how many plates were included in this folio; Bowyer’s edition contained 197 plates, and after recounting three times we’ve established this volume contains 196. A similar, two-volume set can be found at The Royal Academy of Arts.
Format:
Condition: Used (acceptable)
Publisher: Historic Gallery, Pall Mall, London
Year: 1793
Description
A large and very rare volume containing 196 engraved plates for David Hume’s History of England, Bowyer edition, published by the Historic Gallery, Pall Mall, London, in 1793.
This impressive folio-sized book (47.5 cm tall) features plates in good condition for their age, with light patina, spotting, and tanning around the edges. The first plate, depicting David Hume, is nearly detached, and the spine cloth is detached from the text block, requiring restoration. The vast majority of plates are still firmly attached to the text block.
Boards are sturdy with some edge wear, bumping, and cloth tears to both sides (see images).
It’s unclear how many plates were included in this folio; Bowyer’s edition contained 197 plates, and after recounting three times we’ve established this volume contains 196.
Condition Report
Binding: The spine cloth is detached from the text block, and the book would benefit from re-backing. Boards: Sturdy with edge wear, bumping, creasing, and light marking. There’s tears to both sides of the spine cloth; the tear to the right side of the spine cloth spans most of the length of the book (see images). The back board exhibits similar edge wear and light marking. Plates: 196 engraved plates, most with their original tissue guards. Light patina, spotting, and tanning effect across the outer margins of the plates. A stamp on the reverse of one plate reads “City of Leicester Polytechnic Library.” Tissue guards show some creasing and minor tears at the bottom edges. First Plate: Nearly detached; the remaining plates are largely intact, with a few showing signs of gutter wear. Spine Cloth: Two tears to the cloth at the top of the spine. Overall: A solid, large volume with excellent visual appeal despite the need for restoration to the spine cloth.