"A GREAT SECRET OF CONTENTMENT IS TO COMPARE OURSELVES WITH OTHERS YET MORE UNHAPPY"
(CRUIKSHANK, Isaac Robert) CRAWFORD, John William Roy. Lessons of Thrift, Published for General Benefit, by a Member of the Save-All Club. London: Thomas Boys, 1820. Octavo, early 20th-century full red morocco rebacked with elaborately gilt-decorated spine laid down, raised bands, top edge gilt, uncut. $1500.
First edition of this satirical guide to thrift, illustrated with hand-colored vignette title page and 12 beautiful hand-colored plates by acclaimed English artist Isaac Robert Cruikshank, handsomely bound in full morocco-gilt by Riviere and Son.
This satirical work examines the habits of the thrifty. Despite Crawford's embrace of parody (e.g. a chapter entitled, "The Economy of a Wooden Leg"), he nevertheless offers a number of truths that resonate even today about happiness, money, materialism, and more. The book is beautifully illustrated with a hand-colored vignette title page and 12 hand-colored plates by Isaac Robert Cruikshank, George Cruikshank's brother/collaborator and an acclaimed cartoonist in his own right.
Plates and text generally fine, attractive contemporary morocco-gilt binding with expert restoration.