Tom Taylor — Leicester Square; Its Associations and Its Worthies

London, Bickers & Son , 1874. First edition. Cloth. A first edition of this illustrated study of Leicester Square in London, with folding plates. First edition. Illustrated with a folding frontispiece, three folding plates, and twelve plates. Collated complete. A detailed and comprehensive historical commentary on Leicester Square, now a pedestrianised square in the West End of London, England, and the centre of London's entertainment district. With commentary on its beginnings in 1670 as Leicester Fields, which was named after the recently built Leicester House, of Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl of Leicester. The square was originally a gentrified residential area, with this work providing chapters on exciting events in the history of the area, from duels, visits from princes, and renovations, to shows and parties. Written by Tom Taylor. Previously held in the library of Joseph Henry Butterworth, an English law bookseller and politician. With a contemporary ink inscription to the front free endpaper from a relation, Alfred E. Butterworth, dated 14th Mary 1923. In the original full cloth binding. Externally, smart with rubbing to the extremities and light fading to the spine. Hinges starting but firm. Internally, firmly bound from frontispiece loosening slightly. Pages are very bright with the odd small spot and minor age toning to the extremities. Previous owner's bookplate to the front pastedown with a contemporary ink inscription to the front free endpaper. Good . Ill.: Not Stated. Good .