SCENERY OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND – J.R. Abbey – 1952 – Private Curwen Press – Aquatint & Lithography Reference

J.R. Abbey

Edité par Privately printed at the Curwen Press, London, 1952

A propos de cet article

A substantial and authoritative bibliographical catalogue of British and Irish topographical prints, issued from the renowned library of J.R. Abbey?one of the most important collectors of illustrated books and prints in the twentieth century.

Privately printed at the Curwen Press in 1952, this work surveys aquatint and lithographic views produced between 1770 and 1860, a period widely regarded as the golden age of British topographical illustration. The volume functions not merely as a reference, but as a structured record of some of the finest engraved and printed visual material relating to Britain and Ireland.

The catalogue is arranged geographically and systematically, covering an extensive range of locations including London, provincial towns, coastal views, and architectural subjects. It includes detailed entries referencing key works by important artists and engravers such as Thomas Malton, J.C. Barrow, W. Daniell, and others associated with the development of aquatint and early lithography.

Illustrated with collotype plates reproducing notable examples from Abbey?s collection, including views from landmark works such as A Voyage Round Great Britain (1814) and Bath, Illustrated by a Series of Views (1806). These plates provide visual context to the bibliographical entries and reinforce the work?s value as both a scholarly and practical reference.

This volume was issued as a private printing, intended for a limited audience of collectors, scholars, and institutions, and remains an essential reference in the field of British topographical prints.

Condition;
Very good.

Original brown cloth binding with red spine label, lightly rubbed and marked consistent with age. Binding remains firm and sound.

Internally clean and well-preserved, with light spotting in places, as typical. Plates and text pages are bright and complete.

A well-presented example of a working reference volume, retaining strong usability and shelf presence.

Bibliography;

Abbey, J.R. Scenery of Great Britain and Ireland in Aquatint and Lithography 1770?1860, Curwen Press, 1952.

Why This Matters;

J.R. Abbey is not simply an author?he is a cornerstone of collecting culture in illustrated books and prints. His catalogues remain standard reference tools used by dealers, auction houses, and serious collectors to identify, classify, and value material.

This volume in particular underpins the market for British topographical prints. Many of the works described within it are traded, valued, and understood through Abbey?s framework.

Owning this book is not passive?it is functional. It allows a collector or dealer to operate with greater precision, confidence, and authority in the market.

Offered by Atlas Rare Books, specialists in rare and antiquarian books.

N° de réf. du vendeur ABE-1775639167300

Détails bibliographiques

• Titre: SCENERY OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND ? J.R. Abbey ? 1952 ? Private Curwen Press ? Aquatint & Lithography Reference
• Éditeur: Privately printed at the Curwen Press, London
• Date de parution: 1952
• Langue: anglais
• Reliure: Couverture rigide
• Édition: Edition originale
• État de l'article: Assez bon