[Rowlandson] COMBE, William (1742-1823)

[Color Plate] The history of Johnny Quæ Genus : the little foundling of the late Doctor Syntax : a poem

London: Published By R. Ackermann, At The Repository Of Arts, 101, Strand, London; And To Be Had Of All The Booksellers In The United Kingdom, 1822. Full Leather. First Edition of the "last of the genuine or 'authorized' Syntax books" (Abbey), first issued in eight monthly parts. Royal 8vo (236 x 1452mm): [iv],267[pagination irregular but text complete],[1]pp, with 24 hand-colored aquatints by Thomas Rowlandson. Contemporary straight-grain morocco gilt, boards framed in gilt and in blind with leaf-and-flower rolls, rebacked with part of original spine and red morocco lettering piece laid down, marbled end papers. A Very Good or better copy, generally clean and bright with first and final leaves (including title page) foxed, usual offsetting from plates, very occasional finger-soiling. Abbey, Life, 268. Tooley 413. Grolier Rowlandson 48. Martin Hardie, 174-75. Very Good +. Item #BB1085

As early as 1809, the publisher Ackermann had hired Combe to write the letterpress to accompany many of Rowlandson's most successful illustrations, including those for the final volume of the "Microcosm of London" and perhaps especially for the illustrations that resulted in the series of comic poetry for which Combe is still most famous, and which earned him his nickname, Doctor Syntax: The Tour of Doctor Syntax, in Search of the Picturesque and its two sequels (1812, 1820, 1821), The English Dance of Death (1815, 1816), The Dance of Life (1817), and finally The History of Johnny Quae Genus, the Little Foundling of the Late Doctor Syntax (1822). "Combining light-hearted satire of William Gilpin's theory of the picturesque in art with a central character modelled on Cervantes' Don Quixote and Henry Fielding's Parson Adams, Combe created a lovable eccentric whose misadventures on the road structure the Tour. For over a century the many editions and numerous imitations of the Tour attested to the popularity of Combe's humorous hero." (ODNB) N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).

Price: $499.00