Thomas Hugo — The Bewick Collector: A Descriptive Catalogue and Supplement

London, Lovell, Reeve and Co. 1866-1868 . First edition. Leather. A handsomely bound example of Thomas Hugo's impressive bibliographical record of the publications of Thomas and John Bewick. The first edition of these two volumes.With vignette illustrations throughout.Thomas Hugo offers a comprehensive bibliography and descriptive catalogue of the works of Thomas and John Bewick, renowned 18th and early 19th-century English wood engravers. Hugo, an antiquarian and clergyman, was a dedicated admirer and collector of the Bewicks' publications. This volume catalogues not only the Bewicks' major illustrated works, such as 'A History of British Birds' and 'Select Fables', but also lesser-known pieces, private commissions, and various editions and states of the prints.The supplement volume is present alongside this descriptive catalogue.The leaves of these volumes have been washed.Bound by Eric Sweet in half morocco with marbled paper covered boards, and endpapers renewed, and with a cloth covered chemise for each volume, and a corresponding slip case.Eric Sweet was a keen collector of private press and fables. He studied at the Brighton College of Art, before moving to London to work as a lettering artist and typographer for advertising agencies, later becoming the head of Birmingham School of Printing. Sweet's bindings are unique and striking, reflecting the topics of the volumes in distinctive style. Rebound in half morocco, with marbled paper covered boards, with a cloth chemise per volume, and cloth slip case. Externally, fine. Chemise and slip case fine. Internally, firmly bound. Pages exceptionally bright, with only the odd spot, most concentrated to first and last few leaves. The leaves of these volumes have been washed. Fine . Ill.: Not Stated. Fine .