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

London, Bradbury and Evans, 1853 . Leather. A first edition of the work often described as Robert Smith Surtees' finest, illustrated with colour plates by John Leech. Robert Smith Surtees (1805-1864) was an English editor and novelist, most widely known for the cockney character of Jorrocks.Illustrated with thirteen hand coloured plates, as well as in-text illustrations. Collated, complete.With the ownership inscription of George Ricketts dated 1880 to the front blank.The first edition of this work. In a half crushed morocco binding. Externally generally smart; spine is a little faded as to be expected. Rubbed to the joints and the tail of the spine, and a little bumped to the extremities. Internally, binding is generally firm; a slight strain to the front hinge. Pages are a touch age-toned to the edges, with occasional spotting and offsetting opposing plates. Good . Ill.: John Leech. Good .