Costume of the Ancients Leather - 1841

London: Henry G. Bohn, 1841 . Leather. Very Good. 10.5" by 7". Thomas Hope. Illustrated with 155 plates, this is the first volume of a mid nineteenth century edition of designer Thomas Hope's impressive study of costume in the ancient world. The first volume only this two volume 'New Edition, Much Enlarged' of Thomas Hope's study of the history of clothing and costume. First published in 1809, the work displayed the research of the Regency era interior decorator, designer and collector, and earned him fame in aristocratic circles as 'the costume and furniture man'. The sobriquet was regarded as a compliment by his supporters, but was used as a term of ridicule by his critics, who included Lord Byron.This first volume is illustrated by Hope with 155 plates. Collate, complete.A delightful volume exploring costume through time, with plates depicting the garb of Etruscans, Greeks and Romans, and with plates depicting Bacchantes, Amazons, Spartans and heralds. In a full calf binding, rebacked and retaining the original boards and endpapers. Back strip bright, with marks and rubbing to boards, most concentrated to head of rear board. Hinges reinforced. Internally, firmly bound. Pages generally clean and bright, with the odd light handling mark. More significant spotting to first ten plates, with remaining plates generally clean and with only the odd spot. Very Good