The First [-Third] Tour of Doctor Syntax, [In Search of the Picturesque; In Search of Consolation; In Search of a Wife]; A Poem.

First edition in book form of Rowlandson and Combe's vastly popular satire of common picturesque travel books of the time. The books combine the illustrator's signature caricature-style with author's narrative verse to recount the various mishaps of the titular character. Dr Syntax first appeared in Ackermann's Poetical Magazine in 1809. The character was based on the artist, cleric and travel writer William Gilpin. Combe and Rowlandson both sought to mock his writings on picturesque adventures. Tooley 427-429. 3 vols, octavo (227 x 133 mm). Hand-coloured aquatint frontispieces, hand-coloured aquatint titles to vols I and III, 75 hand-coloured aquatint plates. Late 19th-century blue crushed morocco by Rivière and Son, spine gilt-lettered direct, gilt in compartments with floral design, double gilt fillet framing to boards and triple gilt fillet design in centre, gilt floral cornerpieces to boards, gilt board edges, gilt inner dentelles, red endpapers, gilt edges. Bookplate of Douglas Kerr to front pastedowns. Spines lightly sunned, faint soiling to boards, couple of spots of rubbing, a little foxing to edges and outer leaves; split to lower rear hinge vol II, but firm. A very good set presenting handsomely on the shelf.…