ALKEN, Henry

Ideas, Accidental and Incidental to Hunting and Other Sports;

London: Thomas M'Lean, 1826-30. First Edition, Early Issue The Mishaps of a Maladroit Equestrian On The Hunt And Coaches Out of Control "Have You Any Idea Which Way The Hounds Went? ALKEN, Henry. Ideas, Accidental and Incidental To Hunting and Other Sports.; Caught in Leicestershire, &c. London: Thomas M'Lean, n.d. [1826-1830]. First edition, early issue, with plates dated 1826-1830 and watermarked 1828. Upright folio (14 1/8 x 10 5/8 inches; 358 x 270 mm). Letterpress title and forty-two hand colored soft-ground etchings with protective interleaves. Plate number 26 with inner marginal insect damage just touching image, plate numbers 15 & 16 with small spot on the inner blank side margin. Contemporary half dark green morocco over tan cloth boards, front cover with rectangular maroon morocco label, decoratively bordered and lettered in gilt. Spine with five shallow 'triple' bands decoratively stamped and lettered in gilt in compartments, all edges rough gilt, pale blue endpapers. Top of spine and corners a little rubbed. With the bookplate of R. Ackermann, Junr. Regent Street, and also the publisher's original small square label "Ideas, by H. Alken. 42 Plates. Price £4. 10s. half-bound" on front paste-down. A superb example of this wonderful and highly amusing Alken rarity. A fine copy of the rare first edition. The plates depicting humorous equestrian incidents and the dangers often associated when out hunting and not fully in control of your horse. Here we see Alken's skills of composition, his understanding of horses in motion, combined with his brilliant talent for drawing to produce one of the most amusing books on hunting and coaching. "This book was published in 1830. The humorous text is etched on the plates, which were originally issued serially in seven wrappers parts from 1827 [1826] through 1830. The letterpress title-page and publisher's issue binding make a 'book' out of what would otherwise be an assembly of prints" (Mellon/Podeschi). "First issued in upright folio [as here]. A fire consumed part of the stock, and the plates were reissued in oblong folio. These latter are inferior" (Tooley). The draftmanship is good, the colouring vivid, and the inscriptions on the plates are humourous. No copies in British Museum" (Schwerdt). Bobins II, 760; Mellon/Podeschi 136; Tooley 36; Schwerdt I, pp. 17-18; Siltzer, p. 72; Maggs catalog #802 (1951) item 57 (£225). The Plates: 1. My good people I beg you not to disturb yourselves but have you any Idea which way the Hounds went (1830). 2. I say my good woman have you any Idea how they manage here to get a horse out of a brook? (1826). 3. They may call this pleasure, but I have an Idea that it has brought me into considerable trouble (1826). 4. I say my dear fellow I have an Idea that it will make a considerable alteration to your personal appearance (1826). 5. I say my hearty fellow, have you any Idea where I can get a personal conveyance to Melton? (1826). 6. I say my good fellow have you not an Idea that this hunting is exceedingly dangerous? (1826). 7. I say old furnace, have you any Idea how far it is to Melton? (1826). 8. I say old buck, have you any Idea where I can find the hounds? / Begging your pardon Sir.. (1827). 9. I had not the most distant Idea of what was on the other side (1827). 10. I shall soon loose all my Ideas (1827). 11. I say my hearty chap have you any Idea what ought to be done in the present case. (1827). 12. I have an Idea he is going and with him my 150 Guineas (1827). 13. I do not think he has an Idea left / But I have an Idea that he is dead (1827). 14. I have an Idea its ten to one but we are down now &c. (1827). (Small spot on blank side margin). 15. I say my clever feller, have you an Idea you can make this thing capable of progression? (1827). 16. I say Captain, I have an Idea we have run foul of several things in our passage (1827). 17. I have an Idea my Lord that nothing but Time or a stone wall will stop them &c (1827). 18. I say my dear Sir, have you not an Idea that there is considerable danger in the present case? (1827). 19. I have an Idea that I have got them rather too much together now (1827). 20. I say Bob you addent an Idea I could ride so well as you / I can't look just now.. (n.d). 21. My high Tom, I have an Idea we shall soon be off, &c. (n.d). 22. I ave an Idea I am down now Tom (n.d). 23. I say my buck you avent no Idea where the Ounds are, ave you? (n.d). 24. I say Joe you addent no idea it was so deep, ad you, &c. (n.d). 25. I say my boy we ave got some Ideas about the Unting now avent we? (n.d). 26. By George Harry, I have an Idea that the thing is not quite so easy as I anticipated (1830). 27. My good fellow I have an idea that I shall be right on the top of you (1830). 28. I have an Idea that this is a situation that this of considerable difficulty (1830). 29. I have an Idea that this is a most important and effective Fall (1830). 30. My dear fellows I should be extremely sorry to speak of any Country with disrespect but I have an Idea that the water here abouts is not exceedingly fragrant (1830). 31. You can have no Idea what a magnificent day I have had (1830). 32. This is just to give you an Idea of a Steeple Chase (1830). 33. I have an Idea that this is our Yeoman Cavalry races (1830). 34. I have a strong Idea we shall hit som' thing this time (1830). 35. Is that really a Are, &c. (1830). 36. I begin to have an Idea that this Tandem driving is not altogether free from danger (1830). 37. I had not the most distant Idea of Getting in such sport as this (1830). 38. My good fellows I have an Idea that this sort of gate was make for only one at a time to go through (1830). 39. I have an Idea that this Fence is either too High or that my Horse is too Short (1830). 40. I have no idea what could induce me to follow you over this d..d rotten Bridge (1830). 41. I have an Idea I shall win now if I can but carry in my weight (1830). 42. I positively have no Idea what I am to do in this case &c. (1830). .

David Brass Rare Books (ABAA/ILAB)Professional seller

Book number: 05600

Catalogue: Color-Plate Books

Keywords: Caricatures Hunting Sports

ALKEN, Henry

Illustrations to Popular Songs

London: Thomas M'Lean, 1823. True Sportsmen are We for the Game Once in View" ALKEN, Henry. Illustrations to Popular Songs. London: Published by Thomas M'Lean, 1822. First edition, first issue. Oblong folio (9 1/4 x 13 3/4 inches; 235 x 347 mm.). [1] leaf (Address). Forty-two (of forty-three) hand-colored etched plates (including added pictorial title). All plates dated 1822. Each plate contains two to six comical scenes, including several hunting or sporting scenes, illustrating titles of popular songs. Bound without the letterpress-title and the plate "No more I'll court the town bred fair &c" Full contemporary russia, covers decoratively stamped in blind and gilt, front cover letters in gilt, spine with title stamped in blind, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers. Board edges a little rubbed. A very good copy. "First issued in 1822, reissued in 1823, 1825, 1826, 1831" (Tooley). "'Swans sing before they die --- 'twere no bad thing "'Should some folks die before they sing.' "So whispered a friend to Mr. Alken, when they were once compelled to hear the discordant notes of a volunteer at a convivial party. 'I wish it were so,' said the Artist, 'but the words of the Song furnish a good subject for a Sketch,' and he soon presented his friend with the Illustration of 'Begone Dull Care,' this was much approved of, and became the first 'Symptom' of the 'Illustrations of Popular Songs,' a Work intended to furnish the Amateur of the Fine Arts, and of Singing, with characteristic representations of his favourite subjects, that he may have the pleasure of beholding the Poet's fancy, embodied by the glowing warmth of the Artist's fertile imagination." (Introduction). Schwerdt IV, p. 4 (1823 issue). Tooley 37. Not in Abbey. .

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Book number: 03001

Catalogue: Color-Plate Books

Keywords: Caricatures Sports

ALKEN, Henry; NIMROD; APPERLEY, Charles J.

Life of a Sportsman, the

London: Rudolph Ackermann, Eclipse Sporting Gallery, 1842. First Issue The "Rich In Interest" Classic With 36 Hand-Colored Aquatints in the Original Cloth [ALKEN, Henry, illustrator]. NIMROD (pseud. of Charles J. Apperley). The Life of a Sportsman. With Thirty-Six Coloured Illustrations by Henry Alken. London: R. Ackermann, Eclipse Sporting Gallery, 1842. First edition, first issue with four plates on India paper mounted on plate paper, and plate at p. 348 in first state. Octavo (9 1/2 x 5 3/4 in; 243 x 145 mm). vi, [2, contents], 402, [10, catalog] pp. Thirty-four hand-colored aquatint plates. Extra engraved aquatint title page, vignettes and portrait. Publisher's original blue cloth with gilt vignette and border blocked in blind, expertly recased. Gilt decorated spine. All edges gilt. New endpapers in pale yellow as original. A fine copy. Housed in a quarter blue morocco drop-front clamshell box. "When Lockhart said of 'Nimrod' that he could 'hunt like Hugo Meynell and write like Walter Scott,' he was doubtless excited into exaggeration by the pleasure of having hit upon a man who could write of sport without the vulgarity of Egan..The Life of a Sportsman, published in 1842, contains a very pleasant account of country life in days when sport was no longer confused with debauchery; while its descriptions of runs to hounds, its lore of hunting and of four-in-hand driving, and its variety of incident and anecdote make it still both valuable and agreeable. Apperley, though not a Walter Scott, was a good writer; he knew his subject thoroughly, on both the scientific and the personal sides, and this work of fiction, though poor in plot, is rich in interest" (Cambridge History of English and American Literature, Volume XIV. The Victorian Age, Part Two. Ch. 15, Nimrod). Charles J. Apperley (1778-1843) "began writing for the Sporting Magazine. From his boyhood his ruling passions had been hunting, horse-riding, and horse management..Apperley's expert knowledge and social status made him an invaluable recruit to the sporting press of the time, and he may even be said to have created the role of gentleman hunting correspondent. Writing at first under various pseudonyms (Acastus, Eques, and A), he published his first article for the Sporting Magazine as Nimrod in January 1822 and he subsequently usually used that nom de plume. For five seasons, from 1824 to 1828, he was the magazine's official representative..Many of his articles were in serial form and were subsequently published as books, notably his Memoirs of the Life of John Mytton (1837) and The Life of a Sportsman (1842).. his ability and authority were unquestioned. He earned the respect of sportsmen everywhere not only for his skillful and fearless riding but also for the knowledge and judgment he displayed in his writings and for his unrivaled experience of the hunting world. As Nimrod he held a unique position in his day and left an imperishable memory in sporting history" (Oxford DNB). Podeschi 167. Siltzer, p. 73. Schwerdt I, p. 36. Tooley, 65. .

David Brass Rare Books (ABAA/ILAB)Professional seller

Book number: 02543

Catalogue: Color-Plate Books

Keywords: NIMROD APPERLEY, Charles J. Hunting Sports

ALKEN, Henry; NIMROD; APPERLEY, Charles J.

Life of a Sportsman, the

London: Rudolph Ackermann, Eclipse Sporting Gallery, 1842. First Issue The "Rich In Interest" Classic With 36 Hand-Colored Aquatints and Bound by Zaehsndorf [ALKEN, Henry, illustrator]. NIMROD (pseud. of Charles J. Apperley). The Life of a Sportsman. By Nimrod. With Thirty-Six Coloured Illustrations by Henry Alken. London: Rudolph Ackermann, Eclipse Sporting Gallery, 1842. First edition, first issue with four plates on India paper mounted on plate paper, and plate at p. 348 in first state. Octavo (9 1/4 x 6 inches; 235 x 152 mm). vi, [2, contents], 402, pp. Thirty-four hand-colored aquatint plates. Extra engraved aquatint title page, vignettes and portrait. Bound ca. 1900 by Zaehsndorf - stamp-signed in gilt on front turn-in. Full dark blue crushed levant morocco, covers triple-ruled in gilt surrounding a blind-tooled rule. Spine with five raised bands decoratively ruled and lettered in gilt in compartments, double-ruled board edges, wide elaborate gilt turn-ins, cream watered silk liners and endleaves, all edges gilt. Spine very slightly faded, small chip on headband, otherwise near fine. "When Lockhart said of 'Nimrod' that he could 'hunt like Hugo Meynell and write like Walter Scott,' he was doubtless excited into exaggeration by the pleasure of having hit upon a man who could write of sport without the vulgarity of Egan..The Life of a Sportsman, published in 1842, contains a very pleasant account of country life in days when sport was no longer confused with debauchery; while its descriptions of runs to hounds, its lore of hunting and of four-in-hand driving, and its variety of incident and anecdote make it still both valuable and agreeable. Apperley, though not a Walter Scott, was a good writer; he knew his subject thoroughly, on both the scientific and the personal sides, and this work of fiction, though poor in plot, is rich in interest" (Cambridge History of English and American Literature, Volume XIV. The Victorian Age, Part Two. Ch. 15, Nimrod). Charles J. Apperley (1778-1843) "began writing for the Sporting Magazine. From his boyhood his ruling passions had been hunting, horse-riding, and horse management..Apperley's expert knowledge and social status made him an invaluable recruit to the sporting press of the time, and he may even be said to have created the role of gentleman hunting correspondent. Writing at first under various pseudonyms (Acastus, Eques, and A), he published his first article for the Sporting Magazine as Nimrod in January 1822 and he subsequently usually used that nom de plume. For five seasons, from 1824 to 1828, he was the magazine's official representative..Many of his articles were in serial form and were subsequently published as books, notably his Memoirs of the Life of John Mytton (1837) and The Life of a Sportsman (1842).. his ability and authority were unquestioned. He earned the respect of sportsmen everywhere not only for his skillful and fearless riding but also for the knowledge and judgment he displayed in his writings and for his unrivaled experience of the hunting world. As Nimrod he held a unique position in his day and left an imperishable memory in sporting history" (Oxford DNB). Podeschi 167. Siltzer, p. 73. Schwerdt I, p. 36. Tooley, 65. .

David Brass Rare Books (ABAA/ILAB)Professional seller

Book number: 05097

Catalogue: Color-Plate Books

Keywords: NIMROD APPERLEY, Charles J. Caricatures Hunting Sports

ALKEN, Henry; EGERTON, Daniel Thomas

Melange of Humour, the

London: Printed by W. Lewis, 1835. Fifty Hand-Colored Plates Caricaturing the English Lifestyle of the 1820s [EGERTON, Daniel Thomas, and others]. The Melange of Humour; A Series of Fifty Coloured Engravings, Comprising a Great Variety of Comic Subjects, by The most Popular Artists of the Present Day. London: Printed by W. Lewis, [n.d. 1835]. First collected edition of this acclaimed series of humorous plates depicting the English and French lifestyle of the 1820s. Folio (14 1/16 x 10 1/4 inches; 358 x 260 mm.). Letterpress title and fifty hand-colored etched plates (including frontispiece). Most plates with tissue guards. Plates watermarked 1835, 1821, and 1822. Contemporary half maroon roan, ruled in gilt, over gray pebble-grain cloth boards. Spine decoratively tooled and lettered in gilt with three wide raised bands. All edges gilt. With the engraved book-plate of John M. Schiff on front paste-down. Early ink signature of Wm. Morrison dated 1840 on front free endpaper. Top and bottom of spine expertly repaired, inner joints neatly strengthened. An excellent example of a very rare and highly amusing book of caricatures. Rare: OCLC/KVK locate just three copies in libraries and institutions worldwide: Yale University Library (CT, US); Harvard University (MA,US) and University of Oxford Libraries (UK). The collection comprises: Six hand-colored aquatint plates [A Day's Journal of a Sponge] (London: Published by W. Egerton, 1824) captioned: "Was 'stirring with the lark,' bent on fixing myself for a month's sponge on a friend.."; "Feeling one of those pangs 'which flesh is heir to'.."; "Having returned, & hired a chaise, the only method of conveyance.."; "Former fears confirmed, by being driven, on my return, without orders into the Stable Yard.."; "Sauntering down Bond Street, in the evening, to 'Lose & neglect the creeping hours of time'.."; and "Being recovered from the effects of the last catastrophe, resolved on making one more effort, to gain a supper.." Twelve numbered hand-colored aquatint plates by Daniel Thomas Egerton originally published as The Necessary Qualifications of a Man of Fashion (London: Published by Thomas M'Lean, Repository of Wit & Humour, 1823). The plates are captioned: "Negligence," "Assurance," "Confidence," "Impudence," "Intemperance," "Indifference," "Unfeelingness," "Forgetfulness," "Selfishness," "Intrigue," "Eccentricity," and "Inconsistency." Hand-colored engraved title and twelve hand-colored aquatint plates (the first six plates are numbered) "Design'd & Etch'd by D.T. Egerton": "Fashionable Bores or Coolers in High Life by Peter Quiz" (London: Published by Thos. McLean, 1824); "The Silent Rebuke"; "The Leech"; "The Tables Turn'd"; "The Unfortunate Discovery"; "The Insolence of Office"; "The Trial of Nerves"; "Vis a Vis"; "The Unpleasant Rencontre"; "The Unwelcome Visit"; "The Disappointment"; "The Pressing Invitation"; and "The Finishing Bore." Abbey, Life, 287 and Colas 937 (with imprint of W. Sams). Six plates by Henry Alken "A Set of Six Plates on Horse Riding" (London: Published..by Thomas McLean, 1821): "Perfectly Satisfied," "Dissatisfied," "Delighted," "Surpris'd," "Displeas'd," and "Terrified." Thirteen hand-colored lithographed plates by Pigal and L. Boilly captioned: "Le petite famille" (L. Boilly); "Omnium Gatherum" (Pigal?); "This is mine Heir" (Pigal); "as it used to be" (Pigal); "Nasty Old Fellow you shan't" (Pigal); "Commissioners" (Pigal?); "View on the Pont Neuf" (Pigal?); "The Scratch" (Boilly?); "Phoo! Anglais Pah! Pish!" (Pigal); "Smokers" (L. Boilly); "La bonne petite soeur" (Boilly); The Defiance (Boilly); "Time has not thin'd our flowing hair Nor bent us with his Iron hand" (Pigal). Abbey, Life 287 & 289; Bobins 1319; Colas 937; Tooley, 203 & 204. .

David Brass Rare Books (ABAA/ILAB)Professional seller

Book number: 05670

Catalogue: Color-Plate Books

Keywords: EGERTON, Daniel Thomas Caricatures Sports Horses

ALKEN, Henry, illustrator -- [APPERLEY, Charles James]; NIMROD; APPERLEY, C.J.

Memoirs of the Life of the Late John Mytton, Esq. Of Halston, Shropshire

London: Rudolph Ackermann, 1837. A Most Valuable and Important Book" Second and Enlarged Edition With Additional Text and Six Extra Hand-Colored Plates [ALKEN, Henry, illustrator]. NIMROD (pseud. of C.J. Apperley). Memoirs of the Life of the Late John Mytton, Esq. of Halston, Shropshire, Formerly M.P. for Shrewsbury, High sheriff for the Counties of Salup & Merioneth, and Major of the North Stropshire Yeomanry Cavalry. With Notices of His Hunting, Shooting, Driving, Racing, Eccentric and Extravagant Exploits By Nimrod. With Numerous Illustrations by H. Alken and T.J. Rawlins. London: Rudolph Ackermann, 1837. Second and enlarged edition, with additions to the text, six extra hand-colored plates and with three new plates replacing three from the first edition. Octavo (9 1/2 x 5 3/4 in; 241 x 146 mm). ix, [3], 206, [1, printer's slug], [1] pp. Additional engraved title in aquatint and eighteen hand-colored aquatint plates, including frontispiece, with tissue guards. Publisher's original pictorially gilt green cloth, expertly recased. All edges gilt. With the ownership stamp of William K. Dick of Islip, Long Island (NY) to front pastedown endpaper. Some rubbing, a few bubbles to upper board cloth, soiling to endpapers. Hinges starting yet remain firm. Withal, a very good copy. Housed in a full crimson hard-grained morocco pull-off case by the Scroll Club Bindery of New York City. "A most valuable and important book for the sporting life of the period, aptly described by Newton as 'a biography of a man that reads like a work of fiction'" (Tooley). "This is not a work of fiction, for John Mytton, a rather inglorious character for a biography, was a hard-living, hard-drinking country squire of Halston, Shropshire, capable of the utmost physical endurance, and ready to accept any wager to walk, shoot or ride against any man. Many of his feats are recorded and graphically delineated, including the climax of his folly in setting his nightshirt on fire to cure a hiccough (Martin Hardie). The Plates: 1. Well done, Neck or Nothing.. 2. A Nick, or the nearest way home. 3. Wild Duck Shooting. 4. What! Never upset in a gig? 5. I wonder whether he is a good timber jumper! 6. The Meet with Lord Derby's Stag Hounds. 7. Stand and deliver. 8. Tally ho! Tally ho!.. 9. The Oaks Filly. 10. Light come, light go. 11. On Baronet clears nine yards of water. 12. D--n this hiccup! 13. A h-ll of a row in a hell.. 14. Swims the Severn at Uppington Ferry. 15. How to cross a country comfortably after dinner. 16. Heron shooting.. 17. A Squire trap, by Jove! 18. Now for the honour of Shropshire. At his death, industrialist and banker William K. Dick (1888-1953) was a director of Best Foods, Inc. president and director of the Dick Securities Corporation; and a director of Douglas Gibbons & Co. Inc.; the Eastern States Corporation; the Irving Trust Company, the National Sugar Refining Company, the Norwood and St. Lawrence Railroad, the St. Regis Paper Company, St. Regis Company, Ltd. of Canada, and the St. Regis Timber Company. His clubs included the Brook, Racquet and Tennis, Southside, National Golf Links, New York Yacht, and the Turf and Field. Tooley 67. Schwerdt 1, p. 38. Abbey, Life, 385. Martin Hardie, pp. 185-186. Prideaux, p. 326. .

David Brass Rare Books (ABAA/ILAB)Professional seller

Book number: 02540

Catalogue: Color-Plate Books

Keywords: NIMROD APPERLEY, C.J Biography Hunting Sports

ALKEN, Henry, illustrator -- [APPERLEY, Charles James] NIMROD; APPERLEY, C.J.

Memoirs of the Life of the Late John Mytton, Esq

London: Rudolph Ackermann, 1851. A Desirable Item" "A Most Valuable and Important Book" Third and Best Edition With Memoir of Nimrod [ALKEN, Henry, illustrator]. APPERLEY, C.J. Memoirs of the Life of the Late John Mytton, Esq. of Halston, Shropshire, Formerly M.P. for Shrewsbury, High sheriff for the Counties of Salup & Merioneth, and Major of the North Stropshire Yeomanry Cavalry. With Notices of His Hunting, Shooting, Driving, Racing, Eccentric and Extravagant Exploits By Nimrod. With Numerous Illustrations by H. Alken and T.J. Rawlins. Third Edition, With a Brief Memoir of Nimrod by the Author of "Handley Cross" [i.e. Robert S. Surtees]. London: Rudolph Ackermann, 1851. Third edition, the first to contain the Memoir of Nimrod by Surtees and complete with the additional text and plates from the second edition of 1837, third issue (with extra title, title, and plates dated 1851) in 1850 issue binding (with "Ackermann" at spine foot). Octavo (9 1/4 x 5 3/4 in; 235 x 146 mm). ix, [1], 218, [8, catalog] pp. Extra engraved title with plain aquatint vignette, and eighteen hand-colored aquatint plates including frontispiece, with tissue guards. Publisher's original pictorially gilt cloth with blindstamped border to upper board, vignette blocked in blind to lower. All edges gilt. Westley's of London ticket on rear paste-down. Spine ends expertly strengthened. An excellent copy. Housed in a quarter green morocco clamshell case. "This Third Edition is a desirable item to add to any collection as it is the first to contain the Life of Nimrod. Published at 25s, 'handsomely bound in cloth' (Tooley) "A most valuable and important book for the sporting life of the period, aptly described by Newton as 'a biography of a man that reads like a work of fiction'" (Tooley). "This is not a work of fiction, for John Mytton, a rather inglorious character for a biography, was a hard-living, hard-drinking country squire of Halston, Shropshire, capable of the utmost physical endurance, and ready to accept any wager to walk, shoot or ride against any man. Many of his feats are recorded and graphically delineated, including the climax of his folly in setting his nightshirt on fire to cure a hiccough (Martin Hardie). The Plates: 1. Well done, Neck or Nothing.. 2. A Nick, or the nearest way home. 3. Wild Duck Shooting. 4. What! Never upset in a gig? 5. I wonder whether he is a good timber jumper! 6. The Meet with Lord Derby's Stag Hounds. 7. Stand and deliver. 8. Tally ho! Tally ho!.. 9. The Oaks Filly. 10. Light come, light go. 11. On Baronet clears nine yards of water. 12. D--n this hiccup! 13. A h-ll of a row in a hell.. 14. Swims the Severn at Uppington Ferry. 15. How to cross a country comfortably after dinner. 16. Heron shooting.. 17. A Squire trap, by Jove! 18. Now for the honour of Stropshire. Tooley 68. Schwerdt 1, p. 39. Abbey, Life, 385 (2d ed.). Martin Hardie, pp. 185-186. Prideaux, p. 326. .

David Brass Rare Books (ABAA/ILAB)Professional seller

Book number: 02541

Catalogue: Color-Plate Books

Keywords: NIMROD APPERLEY, C.J. English History Nineteenth-Century Literature

ALKEN, Henry, illustrator -- [APPERLEY, Charles James]; NIMROD; APPERLEY, C.J.

Memoirs of the Life of the Late John Mytton, Esq. Of Halston, Shropshire

London: Rudolph Ackermann, 1837. Alken Off To The Races With Apperley In The Saddle Second Edition With the Six Extra Plates in a Fine Contemporary Binding [ALKEN, Henry, illustrator]. NIMROD (pseud. of C.J. Apperley). Memoirs of the Life of the Late John Mytton, Esq. of Halston, Shropshire. Formerly M.P. for Shrewsbury, High sheriff for the Counties of Salup & Merioneth, and Major of the North Stropshire Yeomanry Cavalry. With Notices of His Hunting, Shooting, Driving, Racing, Eccentric and Extravagant Exploits By Nimrod. With Numerous Illustrations by H. Alken and T.J. Rawlins. Second Edition. Reprinted with considerable Additions from the New Sporting Magazine. London: Rudolph Ackermann, 1837. Second and enlarged edition, with additions to the text and six extra hand-colored plates. Tall octavo. ix, [3], 206, [2], pp. Extra-engraved title-page with aquatint vignette. Eighteen hand-colored aquatint plates with tissue guards. Bound in contemporary full hard-grain crimson morocco featuring a single gilt fillet border enclosing floral and foliate gilt tooling with arabesque gilt stems surrounding a gilt vase on pedestal, to both covers. Gilt tooled and lettered spine. Silver clasp engraved "Mr. E. Whittingham / Ellenhall / Nov. 2 1844." Gilt-rolled edges. Wide gilt dentelles with elaborate border and corner-pieces, green moire silk endpapers. All edges gilt. A fine copy in a really fine silver clasped binding. "A most valuable and important book for the sporting life of the period, aptly described by Newton as 'a biography of a man that reads like a work of fiction'" (Tooley). "This is not a work of fiction, for John Mytton, a rather inglorious character for a biography, was a hard-living, hard-drinking country squire of Halston, Shropshire, capable of the utmost physical endurance, and ready to accept any wager to walk, shoot or ride against any man. Many of his feats are recorded and graphically delineated, including the climax of his folly in setting his nightshirt on fire to cure a hiccough (Martin Hardie). The Plates: 1. Well done, Neck or Nothing.. 2. A Nick, or the nearest way home. 3. Wild Duck Shooting. 4. What! Never upset in a gig? 5. I wonder whether he is a good timber jumper! 6. The Meet with Lord Derby's Stag Hounds. 7. Stand and deliver. 8. Tally ho! Tally ho!.. 9. The Oaks Filly. 10. Light come, light go. 11. On Baronet clears nine yards of water. 12. D--n this hiccup! 13. A h-ll of a row in a hell.. 14. Swims the Severn at Uppington Ferry. 15. How to cross a country comfortably after dinner. 16. Heron shooting.. 17. A Squire trap, by Jove! 18. Now for the honour of Shropshire. Abbey, Life, 385. Tooley 67. Schwerdt 1, p. 38. Martin Hardie, pp. 185-186. Prideaux, p. 326. .

David Brass Rare Books (ABAA/ILAB)Professional seller

Book number: 02859

Catalogue: English Literature

Keywords: NIMROD APPERLEY, C.J. Color-Plate Books Fine Bindings Nineteenth-Century Literature Sports

ALKEN, Henry; TALLY-HO, Ben

Military Discoveries

London: S & J Fuller, 1819. Scarce Misery in the Army [ALKEN, Henry] TALLY-HO, Ben. Military Discoveries or, The Miseries of campaigning in a series of seven plates being Hints to Young Officers. London: S & J Fuller, March 24, 1819. Oblong quarto (10 1/8 x 14 in; 257 x 355 mm). Seven uncolored aquatint plates loose in modern cloth portfolio with gilt-lettered black title label and silk ribbon tie. Without titlepage as issued. OCLC/KVK record only three copies in institutional holdings worldwide, at University of London, Brown University, and University of Michigan. The last copy to come to auction was fifty-three years ago, in 1961. The Plates: 1. In tasting the joys of bivouac you DISCOVER that in many parts of the Service the elegance of costume are not so much attended to. 2. On getting into a love affair, you DISCOVER that the numerous parts of the family assisted by some professional gentlemen are determined to revenge the supposed injury.. 3. Having been but little time on board the Transport you DISCOVER that after your many lessons and long patience on riding you are but ill qualified to ride the Wooden Horse with any chance of comfort to yourself. 4. On recovering from a swoon you DISCOVER it was occasioned by your horse being shot under you.. 5. Having volunteered to carry dispatches through the Enemy's Country you DISCOVER that you have a chance of amusement all the way in observing repeated parties of Gentlemen who are out Man Shooting. 6. Being awoke by a violent noise, and rushing from your quarters, you DISCOVER your Colonel who commands you, immediately to resist a serious and unexpected attack made on the Camp by the Enemy, withut waiting for any additoinal Clothes. 7. Going to dinner at a neighboring Vila, you are interrupted by a party of the enemy's foragers, who after stripping you of Pelisses, great Coats &C. you DISCOVER they are determined to carry you to their quarters some thirty miles ahead. Not part the Le Vivier Library catalogue, the most renowned collection of of Alken. Not in Tooley. Not in Abbey. Bobbins 340 (colored); Army Museums Ogilby Trust Index to British Military Costume Prints, 1500-1914, no. 44 (colored); Sterling Library IV, 24. .

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Book number: 02701

Catalogue: Color-Plate Books

Keywords: TALLY-HO, Ben Caricatures Voyages and Travels

ALKEN, Henry

Moments of Fancy and Whim by Henry Alken

London: Published by Thomas M'Lean, 1823. There Is A Pleasure in Being Mad Which None But Madmen Know" "Some Men To Business Some To Pleasure Take. Some Their Troubles, Some Their Fortunes Make" ALKEN, Henry. Moments of Fancy and Whim.. We rather fancy, than Know. London: Published by Thomas M'Lean, 1823. First edition. Oblong folio (10 3/4 x 16 1/2 inches; 272 x 419 mm.). Part one only (of two) Seven hand colored engraved plates. Late nineteenth century half maroon morocco over maroon cloth boards, lettered in gilt on front cover. Original printed wrappers bound in. With the Armorial book-plate of Sir Savile Brinton Crossley Bart. on front paste-down. An excellent copy of this extremely rare and highly amusing suite of plates. Originally issued in two parts. Size of engraved surface 10 x 13 3/4 inches (253 x 350 mm.). The plates are titled: 1. A Phaeton and Four 2. Not a bit of Fancy; A bit of Fancy; All Fancy & Whim; A Political Fancy; A Dangerous Fancy 3. Real English Fancy; No fancy for the Fare; I fancy we have spoil'd the thing Bob. Yes, but where do you fancy the horse is gone 4. A Fancy Man; A Fancy Woman; Hallo! I say what are you arter there 5. Past Consideration; Present Consideration; Future Consideration; Breaking up; Breaking open; Breaking in 6. Got an Engagement/Wanting an Engagement; He sat like patience on a Monument smiling at grief; I would not touch a Hair of that man's head; Damn me Tom, but it must be the boney part. Let us take it; I say Jack, I have found this horse 7. There is a pleasure in being Mad which none but madman know; I likes to see them best; Some men to business some to pleasure take. Some their troubles, some their fortunes make; A Carriage & Four Savile Brinton Crossley, 1st Baron Somerleyton GCVO, PC (1857-1935), known as Sir Savile Crossley, Bt, from 1872 to 1916, was a British Liberal Unionist politician who served as Paymaster General from 1902 to 1905. Tooley, 40; Siltzer, p.71; Mellon/Snelgrove, 97. .

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Book number: 03265

Catalogue: Color-Plate Books

Keywords: Caricatures Sports

ALKEN, Henry

National Sports of Great Britain, the

London: Printed for Thomas M'Lean, 1825. He could draw Hunting and write about it because he hunted himself, as Ferneley did, or Herring" Fifty Fine Hand-Colored Etched Plates Depicting The National Sports of Great Britain ALKEN, Henry. The National Sports of Great Britain, by Henry Alken. Fifty Engravings with Descriptions. London: Printed for Thomas M'Lean, 1825. First Edition with these illustrations. Royal octavo (10 5/16 x 6 11/16 inches; 262 x 170 mm.). Imprint size 5 5/8 x 8 5/8 inches; 143 x 220 mm. viii, 50 leaves of text. Fifty fine hand-colored soft-ground etched plates by and after Alken, with tissue guards. Some spotting to four text leaves "The Hunter"; "Pheasant-Shooting"; "Fowl Shooting"; "A Prize-Fight" and their facing guards but not affecting plates. Plates dated 1824 and with pre-publication "J. Whatman 1823 & 1824" watermarks. The text is watermarked "1818". Contemporary half red calf over pink boards, smooth spine ruled and lettered in gilt, hinges expertly and almost invisibly repaired, all edges sprinkled red. With the bookplate of Joel Spitz on front paste-down. A near fine copy with all the plates bright and fresh. Provenance: FH (crowned monogram stamped on front pastedown). Despite having the same title as the folio of 1821, this work, published at three guineas, contains a different series of plates, some drawn from earlier works. The work includes six plates of horse racing, ten of fox hunting, six of coursing, twelve of shooting, and two of fishing, together with others of poaching and the baiting sports about which Alken himself was so critical. No doubt he believed that representing them as ‘National Sports' was better than pretending they did not exist. The one sport depicted that does not involve animals is prize fighting. "Alken himself seems to have drawn in colours and engraved the plates, which like most of his book illustrations are peculiarly pleasing on account of their small size. The preface deals with, and condemns, the prevailing practice of baiting animals, although the three last plates depict various forms of this barbarous sport." (Schwerdt) Mellon/Podeschi 121; Schwerdt I, p. 20; Siltzer p. 72; Tooley 43. .

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Book number: 03363

Catalogue: Color-Plate Books

Keywords: Caricatures Games Hunting Sports

ALKEN, Henry

National Sports of Great Britain, the

London: Published by Thomas McLean.. Printed by W. Lewis, 1821. Considered the Most Comprehensive and Most Famous Work by Henry Alken" (Dixon) With the Hand Colored Frontispiece dated 1820 ALKEN, Henry. The National Sports of Great Britain. By Henry Alken. With Descriptions, in English and French. London: Published by Thomas McLean.. Printed by W. Lewis, 1821 [-1820]. First edition. Large folio (19 x 12 inches; 482 x 305 mm.). [2, title in English, verso title in French], [2, preface in English], [2, preface in French], [2, contents in English, verso contents in French], 50 leaves of text with English on recto and French on verso. Hand-colored aquatint frontispiece dated 1820 with small and inoffensive 1/8 inch wide marginal stain just extending into the image; Hand-colored aquatint frontispiece dated 1821, and fifty superb hand colored aquatint plates, each with a corresponding leaf of text with English on the recto and French on the verso. Contemporary full green straight-grain morocco gilt. Covers elaborately bordered and decorated in gilt. In the center of both covers the sporting crest of Sir Walter Gilbey. Expertly and almost invisibly rebacked with the original smooth spine laid down, elaborately tooled and lettered in gilt in compartments, gilt board-edges and turn-ins, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. Housed in a cream moiré silk lined, quarter green morocco over green cloth, clamshell case. Spine with six shallow raised bands, decoratively tooled in black and lettered in gilt in compartments. Ten of the plates are watermarked "J. Whatman 1820" (1), "1821" (2), 1822" (6) & "1823" (1). The text is watermarked "J. Whatman 1818 and 1819". The present copy in a fine contemporary binding, and has both the exceptionally rare first issue frontispiece bearing the date 1820, and the more usual second issue frontispiece bearing the date 1821. Most copies, including that which is in the British Museum only have the 1821 frontispiece. Hand colored additional frontispiece with with small and inoffensive 1/8 inch wide marginal stain just extending into the image; plate 5 "Racing plate III" just touching plate mark; small expertly repaired (one inch) tear to foremargin of plate 5 "Racing plate III" just touching plate mark; small expertly repair (5/8 x 1/2 inch) to corner of plate 11 "Earth-Stopping"; very small (3/8 inch) adhesion in sky from opposite text to plate 34 "Pigeon Match". Some very light fox marks and minimal offsetting throughout. We have been super critical in our description - this is a spectacular copy from the great sporting library of Sir Walter Gilbey. This work includes images of every imaginable British sport, from racing to owling, and is recognized as Alken's most ambitious work, and one of the great 19th-century color-plate books. "It must always form the cornerstone of any Alken collection" (Tooley). "The "National Sports" is perhaps Alken's best known and most comprehensive work.. Copies of the second issue are, however, by no means common, owing to the former practice of breaking up the volume and selling the plates, which are most attractive, as sets of sporting prints." (Schwerdt I, p. 19). With "aquatints of exceptional quality considered by many to be Alken's greatest achievement and one of Britain's finest sporting books". (Litchfield). "Some of the plates are watermarked "1822" as usual" (Dixon). Provenance: Sir Walter Gilbey, 1st Baronet (1831-1914) was an English wine-merchant and philanthropist. He became well known as a breeder of shire horses, and he did much to improve the breed of English horses (other than race-horses) generally, and wrote extensively on the subject, including the encyclopedic Animal Painters of England From the Year 1650: A brief history of their lives and works. He became president of the Shire Horse Society, of the Hackney Horse Society, and of the Hunters' Improvement Society, and he was the founder and chairman of the London Cart Horse Parade Society. He was also a practical agriculturist, and president of the Royal Agricultural Society. He was appointed a deputy lieutenant of Essex in 1906. Bobins II, 746; Dixon, 26; Mellon/Snelgrove 94; Schwerdt I, p.19 & IV, p. 4; Siltzer, P. 70; Tooley 41; Not in Abbey. .

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Book number: 05106

Catalogue: Color-Plate Books

Keywords: Caricatures Hunting Sports Dogs

ALKEN, Henry; EGAN, Pierce, imitation of; HEATH, William, illustrator

Real Life in Ireland;

London: Jones and Co. and J.J. Marks, 1821. High and Low Life in Dublin ALKEN, Henry, illustrator. [EGAN, Pierce, imitation of]. Real Life in Ireland; or, The Day and Night Scenes, Rovings, Rambles, and Sprees, Bulls, Blunders, Bodderation and Blarney, of Brian Boru, Esq. and his elegant friend Sir Shawn O'Dogherty. Exhibiting a Real Picture of Characters, Manners, &c. in High and Low Life, in Dublin and Various Parts of Ireland. Embellished with Humorous Coloured Engravings, From Original Designs by the most eminent Artists. By a Real Paddy. London: Jones and Co. and J.J. Marks, 1821. First edition. Tall octavo (8 3/4 x 5 11/16 in; 226 x 142 mm). vii, [1, blank], 6-296 pp. Frontispiece and eighteen hand-colored plates by and after William Heath, Henry Alken, and others (all bound together before text). Original quarter green cloth over blue paper boards with printed spine label, rebacked with original backstrip laid down. Some rubbing and light soiling to boards, spine label a little chipped, some soiling to plate margins not affecting image. A very good copy of a scarcely seen book. "Though not so good it is more rare than [Egan's] Life in London" (Tooley). "Real Life in Ireland was initially shunned by educated readers and even a quick glance at the language and misdeeds of the central characters, Brian Boru and Sir Shawn O'Doherty, reveal that such a publication may once have been able to cause and give offence. However, Real Life in Ireland is more akin to the works of Flann O'Brien and although written nearly 200 years ago is very readable and very funny. "Opening with the discharge of Shawn O'Dogherty from college in Dublin with a small fortune to spend, he is joined from the country by his friend Brian Boru, who along the way is regaled by the stories of Peg O'Shambles, a one-time cockle picker from Ringsend in Dublin, who has fallen on hard times due to her alcoholic husband's misdeeds. Accompanied by many humorous cartoons of Brian Boru's adventures, the characters travel from Belfast to make merry in Dublin. While the characters in Real Life in Ireland might be fictitious the places, events and the Hiberno-Irish featured throughout are not. Although a comparison with James Joyce's travels through Dublin is perhaps hardly appropriate, Real Life in Ireland provides a clear account of Dublin and its inhabitants, as well as the major sights and attractions of its suburbs. Perhaps unintentionally, Real Life in Ireland has left an account of the 'real' trials and tribulations of Ireland in the 1820s. For example, the new harbour at Dalkey is rightly criticised as a waste of money and time the long awaited visit of George IV lamented, but not much regretted." "All-in-all..Real Life in Ireland make[s] for a highly entertaining and extremely funny read and has much to recommend it to a modern readership that might be unfamiliar with its kind" (Eneclann). Abbey, Life 282. Tooley 201. .

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Book number: 02590

Catalogue: Color-Plate Books

Keywords: EGAN, Pierce, imitation of HEATH, William, illustrator Caricatures Irish Literature

ALKEN, Henry; HULLMANDEL, Charles Joseph, lithogr

[the Right Sort, Six Coloured Plates Drawn by Henry Alken, Printed by C. Hullmandel]

London: S & J. Fuller, at the Sporting Gallery, 1822. Six Fine Hand Colored Plates Lithographed by Charles Joseph Hullmandel "One of C.F.G.R. Schwerdt's Favourites" ALKEN, Henry. [HULLMANDEL, Charles Joseph, lithographer]. [The Right Sort, Six coloured plates drawn by Henry Alken, printed by C. Hullmandel]. London: S & J. Fuller, at the Sporting Gallery, 1822. First edition, slightly later impressions of plate nos. 1 & 6. Oblong folio (12 x 14 1/4 inches; 306 x 362 mm.). Six hand colored lithograph plates all mounted on stubs and interleaved with paper guards. Plates a little browned, third and fifth plates with slight foxing. Bound ca. 1960 in three quarter red morocco over red cloth boards ruled in gilt. Spine with two raised bands, ruled and lettered in gilt, pink endpapers, top edge gilt. Plates: 1. Morning, a few of the right sort going to do the thing. (March 1, 1822). 2. The right sort doing the thing. (March 1, 1822). 3. Some of the right sort doing the thing. (March 1, 1822). 4. Some of the right sort doing the thing well. (March 1, 1822). 5. The right sort having almost done the thing. (March 1, 1822). 6. Afternoon, a few of the right sort that have done the thing. (March 1, 1822). According to Schwerdt plates no. 1 was first publishes in June 1821 and plate no. 6 on June 14, 1821. "A very sympathetic and instructive set, admirably drawn and brilliantly coloured. One of the author's favourites." (Schwerdt). An early series of great rarity issued without a title-page. Top-hatted huntsmen in rich scarlet handle their horses with consumate ease; of course this does not save them from journeying home in gruelling rain and bespattered with mud at the end of the day. According to OCLC there is just one example in libraries and institutions worldwide (Huntington Library, CA, USA). Bobins IV, 1388; Schwerdt III, p. 83; Siltzer, p. 59. .

David Brass Rare Books (ABAA/ILAB)Professional seller

Book number: 05108

Catalogue: Color-Plate Books

Keywords: HULLMANDEL, Charles Joseph, lithogr Caricatures Hunting Dogs Horses

ALKEN, Henry

Scraps from the Sketch-Book of Henry Alken

London: Thomas M'Lean, 1825. Very Scarce Alken With Forty-Two Hand-Colored Plates Engraved by Alken Himself ALKEN, Henry. Scraps From the Sketch-Book of Henry Alken. Engraved by Himself. Containing Forty-Two Plates. London: Thomas M'Lean, 1825. Second edition (plates dated 1820), complete; preceded by the oblong quarto edition of 1823, but of equal rarity. Tall octavo (10 x 8 1/4 in; 254 x 210). Title leaf (verso blank), and forty-two hand-colored engraved plates, twelve with multiple images. Title-page watermarked "1822", plates watermarked "J. Whatman 1822 & 1823". Contemporary half crimson morocco over pink paper boards. Original red leather title label lettered in gilt to upper board. Smooth spine ruled in gilt. Small bookplate to front free-endpaper. A fine copy of an extremely scarce album by Henry Alken. This edition of 1825 has not been seen at auction since 1968. The last copy of the first edition of 1821 came to auction in 1970. OCLC records just three copies of the first edition of 1823. There are no copies of the edition under notice in institutional holdings across the globe. While Siltzer notes an Alken Sketch Book of 1820 (34 plates), and the Scraps.. edition of 1822, he makes no mention of an 1825 octavo edition. It is not in found in Tooley or Abbey in any edition. The "Scraps" include equestrian, hunting, dog, bowling scenes, etc. In short, each print features a sporting tableau. Of Alken, Siltzer wrote, "It took but a short time for the leading art publishers of London to recognize his genius and to discover that they had 'struck a reef' of both artistic and financial value, and the well-known firms of Thomas M'Lean, S. and J. Fuller, and Rudolph Ackermann were not slow to reaping full benefit.. It appears that Alken himself occasionally engraved plates, and thus added to the facility of production.." Cf. Siltzer, p. 71. .

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Book number: 01902

Catalogue: Color-Plate Books

Keywords: Caricatures Sports Naval and Military Dogs