Robert Smith Surtees — Mr. Sponge&Apos;S Sporting Tour

London, Bradbury, Agnew, & Co. 1873. Cloth. An illustrated early edition of Surtees' popular sporting novel, with colour plates by John Leech. An early edition of this work in the publisher's original pictorial cloth binding, with pictorial gilt to the front board.Previous owner's ink inscription to the front free end paper, dated 1907.Illustrated with a title page vignette, thirteen coloured engravings on steel, and numerous in-text engravings on wood, by John Leech, a caricaturist best known for his work for 'Punch&apos. He also illustrated Charles Dickens' works.Considered to be one of Surtees' best sporting novels, Mr Sponge"s Sporting Tour follows the adventures of a grocer who becomes the Master of Fox Hounds. The hero, Soapey Sponge, was as popular as his comic character Jorrocks.Robert Smith Surtees (1805-1864) was a successful sporting writer, beginning his career by contributing to the Sporting Magazine. His engaging and witty writing style is sometimes compared to that of Charles Dickens.Undated, dated from the publisher's address. According to the British Library, Bradbury, Agnew & Co were based at 10, Bouverie St around 1873. In the publisher's original pictorial cloth binding. Externally, bright and smart, with shelf wear to the extremities and a little fading to the spine. Hinges are slightly strained but remain firmly held. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean except for offsetting to the end papers/ Very Good . Ill.: John Leech. Very Good .