Cruikshank's Water Colours

bound by Sangorski & Sutcliffe

Finely bound by Sansorski and Sutcliffe, this first edition of Cruikshank's Water Colours contains fully illustrated versions of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist, William Ainsworth's The Miser's Daughter, as well as both W.H Maxwell's History of the Irish Rebellion in 1798 & Emmett's Insurrection in 1803.

George Cruikshank was a prominent English caricaturist and illustrator during the 19th century. His illustrations and political cartoons were known for their sharp wit, satire, and social commentary. Cruikshank's works included illustrations for Charles Dickens' novels, as well as his own illustrated books, such as The Comic Almanack. This book remains a fine example of Cruikshank's special proficiency for water colour illustrations, which he rarely produced.

First edition, 8vo (22 x 16.5 cm); illustrated Oliver Twist frontispiece in full colour with a further 67 water colour illustrations throughout, some tanning to prelims and page-edges, otherwise very good internal condition; half red-brown morocco bound by Sansorski & Sutcliffe over patterned paper boards, ruled in gilt, spine decorated in gilt in six compartments, with gilt miniatures in four of the panels and reproduction of Cruikshank's signature in gilt to bottom panel, raised bands, top edge gilt, patterned endpapers, minor bumping to corners and paper boards slightly frayed, a very attractive copy; xxvi, 326 pp.