A Biographical Antiquarian and Picturesque ...

462 (lxxIx), 555, 621 (lxii). 28 x 19 cm. 83 engraved plates, one hand-colored, two double-page, engraved vignettes (many on India paper), woodcuts within text. Index bound in Vol. I with printed ticket, and Supplement at end of Vol. III. Dibdin's most extravagant work which went a long way toward ruining him, plates alone purported to cost 5000 pounds. This copy with the rare "Diane of Poictiers" plate inserted, which was supposedly destroyed after only 50 copies were printed (LOWNDES II, p. 641). With manuscript letter in ink, signed by Bernard Quaritch, June 17, 1890 attesting to the genuineness of the Poicters engraving, with another Quaritch letter dated Jan. 28, 1881 letter attesting to the collation, noting where three plates were misplaced by the binder. Text very clean, plate offsetting to text with marginal toning to some plates, bookplates of Charles Williston McAlpin, joints repaired, lacks black leather spine label Vol. II. DIBDIN Vol. II, p. 682. "De toutes les productions de Dibdin, celle-ci nous parait etre le plus origninale." (calling it his most original work). Contemporary calf ruled in gilt, raised bands, black leather backstrip title and volume labels lettered in gilt, rebacked with original spines laid-down. Aeg gilt. 3 Vols. Very good.  Bookseller Inventory # 21259