The Collected Library: Summer Reading

19 volumes, various sizes from octavo and smaller. Numerous etched plates and in-text illustrations in each volume, with folding frontispieces in the last five (two hand-colored). Later polished red calf gilt, spines in 6 compartments with 5 raised bands, citrus morocco lettering-pieces gilt in 2, others completely gilt, all edges gilt, stamp-signed by Riviere & Son (a touch of light rubbing to a few volumes).

A FINELY BOUND AND COMPLETE RUN OF THIS FIRST EDITION PERIODICAL. The Comic Almanack is one of Cruikshank’s earliest works, featuring pieces by notable contributors including William Makepeace Thackeray. This annually published series provides great insight into the trends, politics, and fashions of the Regency period, expertly depicted by Cruikshank’s drawings and editorial skills. Cohn 183.