London Illustrated 1604-1851 : A Survey and Index of Topographical Books and Their Plates

Library Association, London, first edition, 1983. Limited edition of 1000 copies. Cloth, 4to, 26 cm,. xxxiii, 586 pp, [24] pp of plates. From the blurb: "London Illustrated 1604-1851: A Survey and Index of Topographical Books and Their Plates provides a unique single source of reference for everyone interested in complete topographical works or individual prints of London. This detailed catalogue enables the user to identify the original book source of an undated and/or untitled plate, to date accurately a detached plate by referral to the publication in which it was originally bound and to trace illustrations of particular sites or buildings and to date them precisely. By providing a detailed catalogue of the optimum number of separate plates with which each work was originally published, it enables would-be owners to check the completeness of bound volumes offered for sale. London Illustrated lists more than 8,250 plates in 230 books and print sets published between 1604 and 1851. The catalogue listings :transcribe captions, credits, publication-line and other lettering; give dimensions in millimetres of worked area and plate-mark; refer specific views back, either to the previous use of the printing plate, or to the earlier engraving from which it was copied, or to the surviving original drawing and its current location; annotate with topographical indications or with particulars of architect and date of a building; direct the user to reference works providing further information. Introductory notes to each work catalogued give a resume of its publishing history; a topographical index covers more than 1200 districts, streets and buildings in London; a name and title index includes 1400 artists, engravers, publishers and authors with their dates and book titles; and a check-list of titles of the books illustrating London is included. A list of the principal works consulted in preparing the catalogue forms a useful bibliography of London topographical reference books and catalogues. London Illustrated contains 51 specimens of plates characteristic of the various styles found in the period." An excellent reference, describing some 238 books and sets of prints. . Line-engravings, etchings and lithographs are included, wood-engravings are not covered. An unnumbered copy. Very Good in slightly used dustwrapper.