STRUTT’S ENGLISH COSTUMES, WITH 153 SPLENDID HAND-COLORED PLATES

STRUTT, Joseph. A Complete View of the Dress and Habits of the People of England. London: Henry G. Bohn, 1842. Two volumes. Quarto, contemporary three-quarter brown morocco gilt, uncut. $3200.

Expanded edition of this treasury of English costume beginning with the Saxons, illustrated with 153 hand-colored copper-engraved plates of costumes, armor, seals, and everyday objects.

Strutt’s superb plates reproduce portraits of English personages from illuminated manuscripts in the British Museum and the Bodleian Library, along with richly hand-colored reproductions of the costumes, arms, seals, and other interesting objects particular to various English peoples from the time of the Saxons to the close of the 17th century. First published in 1796-99, this “new and improved edition” was issued with 153 plates, in both uncolored and hand-colored versions. A few plates bound out of sequence, as issued. Without plate 108; with two copies of plate 110. Lowndes, 2538. Brunet V, 566. Colas 2825. Hiler, 820. Lipperheide 1001. Armorial bookplates.

Plates and text generally fine, contemporary binding lightly worn. A handsome copy.