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SMITH, Charles. J.
Historical & Literary Curiosities.
The book is illustrated throughout with facsimiles of historical manuscripts and depictions of notable places. The collection constitutes an odd mix, with the 48 historical items included covering everything from the will of Napoleon to the signature of Shakespeare. Nonetheless, it was an important publication, and for many of the documents, it was the first time they appeared in print.
- Published
- London: Henry G. Bohn, 1840.
- Plates
- 9
- Binding/Size
- M=4to
- Value
- 0-5000
- Published
- London: Henry G. Bohn, 1840.
- Ref
- 353
FIRST EDITION. Large Quarto. Numerous autograph facsimiles steel engraved views & other plates including 9 in colour. Half calf, with gilt in rule to boards and spine, title in gilt to spine. Top edge gilt, marbled endpapers. Boards and joints rubbed, corners reinforced, re-hinged. Tissue guards present minor foxing. MS inscription to prelim: "To Mrs. C. Hayward from her obliged and faithful friend, John Smily". ?? *Rebinding and restoration work on this book by Ron Norman of Hartlepool. (Ronnorm@aol.com)* Coloured plates in order: 1. Initial letter and border decoration from the commencement of the Editio Princeps of the "Historia Naturalis," printed in Venice in 1469. 2. Cover of the Cassolette made from the wood of Shakespeare's Mulberry Tree. 3. Facsimile of a page from an MS Bible of the 9th century, executed for The King of France. 4-5. Sacred Furniture & Vessels of the Tabernacle of Israel. 6. Standing Bowl and Cover of Silver Gilt. 7. Facsimile of the Commencement of the Book of Genesis, from an MS called "Alcuines Bible." 8-9. Banners attributed to St. Edmund, King of the West Saxons.
