WONDERFULLY ILLUSTRATED FIRST EDITION OF GEORGE CRUIKSHANK’S TABLE-BOOK, BEAUTIFULLY BOUND BY TOUT

À BECKETT, Gilbert Abbott, editor. George Cruikshank's Table-Book. London: Punch Office, 1845. Quarto, late 19th-century full tan calf, elaborately gilt-decorated spine, raised bands, brown morocco spine labels, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. $1100.

First book edition of this collection of 19th-century essays on various subjects of interest to British gentlemen, including the first appearance of Thackeray’s “Legend of the Rhine,” with 12 steel-etched plates and 116 woodcuts by George Cruikshank, beautifully bound in full calf-gilt by Tout.

In the "Triumph of Cupid," which forms the frontispiece, Cruikshank introduces himself in his own design as the central figure. The essays describe and humorously illustrate London manners, theater, literature, and the natural sciences. This work also includes the first appearance of Thackeray's "Legend of the Rhine," written under his well-known pseudonym, Michael Angelo Titmarsh. Originally published in 12 monthly parts. Cohn 191.

Plates and text fine, joints expertly repaired.