FIRST EDITION OF LIFE & LETTERS AT BATH IN THE XVIIITH CENTURY, 1904, HANDSOMELY BOUND

BARBEAU, Alfred. Life & Letters at Bath in the xviijth Century. London and New York: William Heinemann and Dodd, Mead, 1904. Octavo, contemporary three-quarter morocco gilt, raised bands, marbled boards and endpapers, top edge gilt, uncut. $450.

First trade edition of this comprehensive and compelling history of the English resort destination of Bath, wonderfully illustrated and handsomely bound.

Barbeau’s richly illustrated work strives to examine the history of Bath as a popular British resort and health spa. Brimming with information about prominent residents and travelers, it highlights Bath’s importance as a center of culture and science. It even offers a lengthy section on Bath’s authors. Barbeau also focuses on Bath’s reputation as a center of medicine, writing about important physicians associated with Bath, as well as their achievements and misadventures. Published the same year as a limited edition of only 100 copies on handmade paper with color plates.

A few small stains to interior, binding very lovely.