Books and Manuscripts

 Simpson, William
The Seat of War in the East
London: Published by Paul & Dominic Colnaghi & Co., 1855-56. Deluxe first edition, comprising the First and Second Series (second issue of First Series with 12 pp. of text bound in and with keys facing plates). Folio. 12; 12 pp. Illustrated with two hand-colored lithographic title-pages, one lithographic dedication, and 79 hand-colored lithographic plates, each plate with tissue guard (several with printed key and reduced facsimile of image in outline). Contemporary three-quarter red morocco over red cloth-covered boards, stamped in gilt, soiling and rubbing to boards and extremities, upper front joint split, top front corner worn; all edges gilt; by J. Wright; ownership inscription of Helen Agnes Housman, dated August 11, 1889, on front blank; scattered generally light foxing to plates. Abbey, Travel 237

A handsome copy of this deluxe hand-colored example of William Simpson's remarkable lithographic work on the Crimean War. Simpson is considered the first great war correspondent and artist, and he executed the sketches that became these fine large lithographs on the spot while attached to the British Army. When war broke out in 1853 publisher Colnaghi & Son decided to publish a large illustrated work on the conflict and Simpson was selected by the firm after being recommended by Royal lithographers Day & Son. Simpson first arrived in Balaclava in November 1854, and stayed until the fall of Sebastopol, in 1855. The dramatic scenes within show stunning landscapes, troop movements, battle scenes, troop encampments, and intimate scenes of comradery between soldiers.