The Comic History of Rome - From the Founding of the City to the End of the Commonwealth (custom fine binding with original front cover wrap)

Gilbert Abbott a Beckett

Published by Bradbury, Evans and Co.

About this Item

This is a handsome, fine binding edition of "The Comic History of Rome - From the Founding of the City to the End of the Commonwealth" by Gilbert Abbott A Beckett. Circa 1850's (there is no date of publication stated); Bradbury, Evans, and Co.; London. This copy has been custom bound in three-quarter leather with gilt lettering and decorations on the spine, gilt top page edges, marbled end papers, and five raised bands on the spine. The original front cover wrap has been inserted at the front. The book is beautifully illustrated throughout by John Leech with black & white drawings and numerous full-page hand-colored plates. "No. II" is stated at the top-left corner of the original front cover wrap. There are 308 numbered pages. This copy has the bookplate of Rodman Wanamaker, American businessman and heir to the Wanamaker's department store fortune, on the front pastedown. From a review: "In 'The Comic History of Rome,' Gilbert Abbott À Beckett employs a unique blend of humor and historical narrative to explore the paradoxes and absurdities of Roman history. Written in the mid-19th century, this engaging text combines satirical illustrations and witty prose, offering a playful yet incisive commentary on the complexities of Roman politics, societal norms, and cultural achievements. À Beckett's style echoes the traditions of comedic literature of his time, drawing parallels between the farcical elements of ancient Rome and the contemporary Victorian era, thereby inviting readers to reflect on the cyclical nature of history and human behavior." Condition: Rubbing to the leather along the edges of the spine. The leather has chipped at the bottom two cover corner tips. Bright gilt on the spine, and at the top edge of the text block. Tight binding with no cracks and no loose pages. Both covers are firmly attached. Bookplate affixed to the front pastedown. Tanning to the end papers. The frontispiece has a 1" horizontal tear at the inner edge and has pulled from the spine 1/3 of the way down from the top edge. The text pages are in nice condition - mostly clean with only some foxing to the half title page, the illustrated title page, and a small number of random pages. Overall the book is in Very Good condition.

Seller Inventory # ABE-1741033667477

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Comic History of Rome - From the Founding of the City to the End of the Commonwealth (custom fine binding with original front cover wrap)
• Publisher: Bradbury, Evans and Co.
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: Illustrated Edition
• Condition: Very Good