“THE WORK IS OF HIGH INTEREST”: SAMUEL IRELAND’S COLLECTION OF HOGARTH ILLUSTRATIONS

HOGARTH, William. Graphic Illustrations of Hogarth, from Pictures, Drawings, and Scarce Prints in the possession of Samuel Ireland. London: Faulder and Egerton, 1794-99. Two volumes. Quarto, early full polished brown calf gilt rebacked, raised bands, red and green morocco spine labels, top edges gilt. $1200.

First edition of this two-volume anthology of the famous engraver’s work, with over 100 plates of Hogarth's work, handsomely bound.

A passionate collector of "books, pictures, and curiosities," Samuel Ireland "proved the value of a part of his collection [in 1794] by issuing 'Graphic Illustrations of Hogarth….' Some of the plates were etched by himself. A second volume appeared in 1799. The work is of high interest…" (DNB). Contains all 105 plates called for (Lewine, 243). See Lowndes, 1082.

Scattered foxing to plates and text, one plate (opposite p. 114 in Volume I) stained. Very handsomely bound.