Observations on the Western Parts of England, Relative Chiefly to Picturesque Beauty, to Which are Added a Few Remarks on the Picturesque Beauties of the Isle of Wight

A nice first edition of William Gilpin's charming topographical work on the West of England, illustrated with beautiful aquatint plates. The first edition of this work. A charming travel work that focuses on the topography of the West of England, and the beauties of the scenery in that area of the country. A nice look at England at the turn of the century. Illustrated with eighteen aquatint plates. William Gilpin was an artist and priest. He was one of the first people to define the term 'picturesque', due to his knowledge and love of landscape paintings. He also wrote a great deal during his life, including biographies of Bernard Gilpin, Hugh Latimer, John Wiclif, and Thomas Cramner. Collated, complete. With one page of publisher's adverts to the rear. Bookplate to the front pastedown, 'F. C. Lukis'. Bookplate to the verso to the front endpaper, 'L. I. Coomer'. Prior owner's ink inscription to the recto to the front free endpaper, 'Marg. Lukis 1804'. Prior owner's ink inscription to the head of the title page, 'M. Lukis'. This is possibly Frederick Corbin Lukis, a Channel Islands archaeologist and antiquarian. In a full calf binding, rebound with the original boards restored. Externally, smart. Light bumping to the extremities. Some minor marks to the boards. Light surface cracks to the spine label. Bookplate to the front pastedown, and to the verso to the front endpaper. Prior owner's ink inscription to the recto to the front free endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are lightly age-toned and generally clean with the odd spot. Prior owner's ink inscription to the head of the title page. Very Good.…