A Survey of the Cities of London and Westminster:

first illustrated edition of Stow's London

The first illustrated edition of one of the greatest of all London books, with Stow's original 1598 survey augmented, expanded, and updated by later editors, and furnished with a fine array of maps and plates.

The text, originally issued in weekly parts between 1754 and 1757, comprises a general description and history, ward by ward topography, accounts of the suburbs and liberties, a long and detailed summation of the government and customs of the City and its institutions, laws and trades, as well as substantial material on Westminster and the outlying parishes. The maps include folding maps of the city and the environs by Richard William Seale (1703-1762) and maps of the individual wards and outlying parishes. The 70 exquisite plates are by Johannes Kip and were specially produced for this work.

Fifth edition; six volumes or 'Books' bound in two, folio (40 x 26 cm); 70 engraved maps and views by Kip and others, each 'Book' with drop-head title and own pagination, small loss of margin corner to pp.xv-xvi repaired, else clean and attractive internally; twentieth-century half calf, cloth boards, spines lettered in gilt in six compartments, all edges marbled, a touch of rubbing, a very good set.

Adams 37.