William Somervile — The Chase by William Somervile

London, George Redway, 1896 . First edition. Cloth. A smart copy of William Somervile's early georgic poem, with charming illustrations throughout by Hugh Thomson. In the original blue cloth binding with charming gilt motif to the front board. The first edition thus of this work, reprinted from the original edition of 1735, and with the addition of a memoir on the author and the illustrations of Hugh Thomson, an Irish illustrator renowned for his pen and ink illustrations for the likes of J. M. Barrie, Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. The best known work of eighteenth century English poet William Somervile, originally titled 'The Chace', focusing on rural life and the joys of life in the country. Illustrated with eight plates from Thomson. Collated, complete. In the original blue cloth binding with gilt motif to the front board. Externally, very smart, with light bumping to the extremities and the occasional light mark to the boards. Internally, firmly bound. Pages bright and clean. Very Good . Ill.: Hugh Thomson. Very Good .