Robert Blakey — Old Faces in New Masks

London, W. Kent and Co, 1859 . First edition. Cloth. The first edition of this intriguing collection of essays, including 'Fishwives', 'Dances of Death' and 'Historical Sketch of British Caricature', by Robert Blakey. The first edition in the publisher's original cloth. With gilt to spine and blind stamped decoration.  An uncommon but intriguing collection of essays - some concerning fish - including 'Fishwives', 'Dances of Death' and 'Historical Sketch of British Caricature.' By Robert Blakey, an English radical, historian of philosophy, writer and angler. The graphic artist George Cruikshank illustrated a number of Charles Dickens' works, and here has illustrated the frontispiece and title page.  In the publisher's original cloth. Externally, generally smart with rubbing and discolouration to extremities. Spine is darkened and faded with loss of gilt. With shelf wear to the extremities and bumping to spine head and tail. The odd mark to the boards. Front and rear hinges cracked but firm. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright with spotting to first and last few leaves. Contemporary ink inscription to front free end paper. Very Good . Ill.: George Cruikshank. Very Good .