WILLIAM IRELAND'S ILLUSTRATED LIFE OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE, WITH SPLENDID FOLDING HAND-COLORED PLATES BY CRUIKSHANK, SUMPTUOUSLY BOUND IN FULL MOROCCO-GILT

IRELAND, William H. Life of Napoleon Bonaparte. London: John Cumberland, 1828. Four volumes. Octavo, early 20th-century full purple morocco, spines, boards and dentelles gilt-decorated with Napoleonic emblems, raised bands, top edges gilt, uncut. $8500.

First edition, second issue of the first illustrated life of Napoleon printed in England, with 27 folding engravings and aquatint plates (24 fully hand-colored) by George Cruikshank, beautifully bound by Root & Son.

This lavish work, originally issued in parts, includes views of battles, Napoleon's marshals, portraits of Napoleon in military and imperial attire, and a facsimile of his 1814 letter of abdication. The original parts (Volumes I-III, 1823-27) were published under Fairburn's imprint; Volume IV (1828) was published by Cumberland, who inset his engraved titles, all dated 1828. This set is the second (Cumberland) issue, with the four 1828 Cumberland engraved title pages. The duplication of pp. 110-15 in Volume III is indicated by stars (as issued). Tooley 278. Cohn 435. Prideaux, 341. Bookplates, with withdrawal stamps.

A beautiful set in fine condition.