ACKERMANN'S SPLENDIDLY ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF OXFORD

ACKERMANN, Rudolph. A History of the University of Oxford, Its Colleges, Halls and Public Buildings. London: for R. Ackermann, 1814. Two volumes. Folio (11 by 14 inches), contemporary full paneled brown calf, raised bands, elaborately gilt-decorated spines and boards, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. $7000.

First edition of this illustrated history of Oxford University, with 82 superb hand-colored aquatint plates, in a handsome and distinctive Edwards of Halifax binding.

The celebrated fine-arts publisher's magisterial history of one of academia's most venerable institutions boasts a stipple-engraved portrait of Chancellor Grenville and 82 hand-colored plates (the 17 Costume plates are line- and stipple-engraved), after Pugin, Westall, Mackenzie, Nash, Turner and Reynolds. "The fine aquatints, with their somewhat old-world flavor, are well suited to reproduce the spirit and to recall the antique associations of the old quads and courts" (Prideaux). First state of the list of plates (without the Founders). Plates watermarked 1812, before publication date; most plates second state. Without the plates of the founders, issued separately. Abbey, Scenery, 280. Tooley 5. Bookplates, small shelf labels. Old dealer description tipped to blank in Volume I.

Plates fine, coloring vivid, text with expected offsetting from plates; handsome binding with expert repair to joints, damage to front board of Volume II. An impressive production.