The Unique

A rare three volume collection of biographical sketches from the early nineteenth century. Written and published by George Smeeton (fl. 1800-1828), known for his compilations of biographical memoirs. He also published 'The Eccentric Magazine', 'Biographia Curiosa; or Memoirs of Remarkable Characters of the Reign of George III' and 'Doings in London: or Day and Night Scenes of the Frauds, Frolics, Manners and Depravities of the Metropolis'. This work includes descriptions of George III, Queen Caroline, Princess Charlotte, the Duke of York, Napoleon Bonaparte, Sir Walter Raleigh, Algernon Sydney, William Herschel, Joseph Hume, Sir Walter Scott and William Shakespeare, amongst many others.Complete in three volumes.Each character is presented with an engraved frontispiece portrait. In a half calf binding with marbled boards. Externally a trifle rubbed to the spine in particular with chipping to the heads and tails. The rear board of volume I is near disbound. Ownership inscription to the front endpapers. Internally hinges are a little weak but otherwise firmly bound, pages are bright and clean bar a touch of offsetting opposing portraits. Good.…