T. Decker [Thomas Dekker] — The Gull"S Hornbook

Bristol, For J. M. Gutch , 1812. Leather. A smartly bound reprint of Thomas Dekker"s celebrated satire of Jacobean London life, illustrated with engraved letters designed by Edward Bird and Ebenezer Byfield.  In a modern quarter brown morocco binding with cloth boards, endpapers renewed, retaining first and final blanks.  The 1812 reprint of the exceptionally scarce first edition of 1609.  illustrated with decorative engraved initial letters designed by Edward Bird and Ebenezer Byfield.  A celebrated satirical portrait of fashionable life in Jacobean London, presented as an ironic conduct book.  Thomas Dekker (c.1572-1632) was an English dramatist and pamphleteer, a contemporary of Shakespeare and Ben Jonson. With a red ownership stamp of Egerton Castle to the title page. Castle (1858-1920) was an English author, antiquary, bibliophile and noted swordsman. A curious revival of one of this satirical account of Jacobean London.  In a modern quarter brown morocco binding with cloth boards, endpapers renewed, retaining first and final blanks. Externally, excellent. Internally, firmly bound. Pages bright and clean, if slightly age toned, more so to fore edge and first and last few leaves. The odd light spot and handling mark, with minor soiling to first and final few leaves. Slight offsetting from engravings to facing pages. Ownership stamp of Egerton Castle to the title page. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: Edward Bird; Ebenezer Byfield. Very Good Indeed .