Portraits of the Spruggins Family

Spruggins, Richard Sucklethumkin (aka The Reverend Walter Sneyd)

Published by privately printed, 1829

About this Item

A privately printed and sometimes hilarious, often cruel look at the pretended family tree of an invented family, each with a wicked portrait and a brief but fulsome description. Intended as a cartoon version of the many family histories then being printed (1829,) it was privately printed and intended originally be sold at a charity Bazaar. The author, the Rev. Walter Sneyd, then was at Oxford and 20 years old and the rather savage caricatures of the late18th century were beginning be slightly toned down. A note to the front, glued in, shows it was given to Caroline Amelia Letchmere (?) from Lord Hillsborough. Further down it is inscribed " Lady Morley and L. W.Sneyd, published for a Bazaar." Lady Morley was considered a socialite of great beauty and intelligence. The book is beautifully bound in full calf. There is some little foxing but it does not disturb the portraits! Enclosed is a very useful "Country Life" 2 page biography of Walter Sneyd. Seller Inventory # 007280

Bibliographic Details

Title: Portraits of the Spruggins Family

Publisher: privately printed

Publication Date: 1829

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Very Good

Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good

Edition: 1st Edition