Benge Frederick William (2 results)

Condition: Very Good. First edition hard back binding in publisher's original terracotta cloth covers, gilt title and author lettering to the spine and to the upper panel. Quarto. 10½'' x 7½''. ISBN 09524081. Number 423 of 500 Limited Edition copies. Contains [iv] 72 printed pages of text with archive monochrome illustrations and photographs throughout. Fine condition book, in Very Good condition dust wrapper with one 15 mm tear to the top front cover, no other faults with the wrapper. SIGNED presentation copy by the author to the front free end paper 'To David Howorth and Michael Field with my best wishes David R. Oliver 12th November 1994.' It is also signed by William Lapthorne [A well-known Broadstairs historian and supplier of many of the prints for the book] SIGNED 'Bill Lapthorne, Food for thought.' Dust wrapper supplied in archive acetate film protection, this protects and prolongs the life of the paper, it is not adhered to the book or to the dust wrapper. Member of the P.B.F.A. KENT [Broadstairs].

4to. 7.5 x 8.75 inches. [138] pages of manuscript, comprising [109] pp. at front; [29] pp. inverted manuscript at rear with [7] blank pages in centre. Illustrated with pen and wash sketches on ten pages of the 1837 text. Bound in red half-morocco, marbled boards. A trifle rubbed at extremities Occasional slight foxing but otherwise clean. The two diaries have been identified as the work of Frederick William Benge (1787-1849), who was living in Pimlico at the time of the holiday but moved to Rowling House, Goodnestone, Kent in 1839. First part untitled; after introductory comment, entries from 12 September to 10 October 1837, followed by conclusion. Second part titled, Continuation of the Journal from 1847, Commencing 2 November ending 14 November 1847. The diaries were transcribed and privately published by David R.Oliver (Broadstairs, 1994), illustrated throughout, with much additional matter, contemporary engravings, photographs, etc. Oliver's book contains four appendices, including background information on the family, persons mentioned in the diary, relevant extracts from Kentish Gazette, etc. Despite having been previously researched, there remains much more to be explored. A unique item. KENT THANET DIARIES NON-FICTION 19TH CENTURY KENT THANET SOCIAL HISTORY TOWNS- ENGLISH KENT.