Gilbert Abbott A Beckett — The Comic History of Rome

London, Bradbury, Agnew, & Co. c1852. Leather. An early printing of this humorous retelling of the history of Rome, with ten hand-coloured plates by Punch artist John Leech. An early edition of this work, dated from Jisc. A comical re-telling of the history of Rome by English humourist Gilbert Abbot A Beckett, from the foundation of Rome to the end of the Roman Republic. Beckett was one of the original staff for 'Punch' magazine. With ten full page coloured plates by John Leech. as well as numerous woodcuts in text. Leech was noted caricaturist, best known for his work with Punch, often combining political satire with light social comedy. Leech was also the first illustrator of Charles Dickens' novella A Christmas Carol. Collated, complete. In a half morocco binding over cloth covered boards and new endpapers. Externally smart with some shelf wear and minor bumping to the head and tail of the spine and extremities, hint of sunning to the spine. With some damp marking tot he leather. Previous ownership inscription to the original front free endpaper bound in with the volume, dated 1911. Internally, the binding is split to the title page, holding firm. The text-block following is firmly bound. With the occasional minor odd spot to the odd leaf, otherwise the pages are very clean throughout. With an illustrated title page and ten full page coloured plates as well as numerous woodcuts in text. Collated, complete. Good . Ill.: John Leech. Good .