New Acquisitions Spring 2022 – 7 – Bauman Rare Books Splendid Folio Hand-Colored Aquatint Views Of Saint Helena, Published Just Before Napoleon’s Exile 7. BELLASIS, George Hutchins. Views of St. Helena. London, 1815. Oblong folio, measuring 18 by 12 1/2 inches, red leather. $6800. First edition, large paper copy, with 6 splendid handcolored folio aquatint plates by Robert Havell after drawings by George Bellasis. This work, on what was then surely the most remote outpost of the British Empire, was produced in 1815 in response to Napoleon’s intended exile to the island and the newfound interest it generated; Plate 3 represents “St. James’s Town,” and includes “The Briars, the intended residence of Bonaparte.” Bellasis sketched scenes from the island when he spent eight months there after being forced to disembark due to illness in November, 1804. Each view is accompanied by text leaf. With list of subscribers. Abbey I:309. Tooley 87. Prideaux, 236. Early (1821) gift inscription and owner signature on title page. Plates fine, coloring lovely, one text leaf with a marginal repair, binding with spotting to front board. An excellent copy.
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