WOOD'S THE PRINCIPAL RIVERS OF WALES, 1813, WITH 159 LOVELY SOFT-GROUND ETCHINGS, 25 DOUBLE-PAGE

WOOD, John George. The Principal Rivers of Wales Illustrated; Consisting of a Series of Views from the Source of Each River to its Mouth. London: for the Author, by T. Bensley, 1813. Two volumes. Folio (11 by 13-1/2 inches), contemporary three-quarter black straight-grain morocco rebacked with original elaborately gilt-decorated spines laid down, raised bands, marbled boards and edges. $8200.

First edition of this beautifully illustrated survey of the rivers of Wales, with 159 lovely soft-ground etchings of views along the rivers—25 double-page—and four folding hand-colored maps.

Author and artist John George Wood traces the courses of 17 Welsh rivers from source to mouth, depicting in his lovely soft-ground etchings the towns, bridges, churches, ruins, and landscapes encountered along the way, featuring the Usk, the Taff, the Tafwy, the Towy, the Dovey, the Conway, the Clwyd and the Dee. Each original etching, made by Wood after sketches and drawings he made on the spot, is finely printed in black ink with a pale tan wash background. Bound with subscriber's list but without directions to the binder. Complete copies are usually described as having 158 plates; this copy has one plate, "Source of the Tawe," repeated, with subtle variations between the two images, and a penciled note on the verso of one stating "This plate is to replace the same in No. 5, which failed." Lowndes, 2984 (citing only 48 plates and one map). Owner signature of Sophia Baillie on title page, possibly the wife or relative of subscriber Dr. Baillie.

Volume I only with occasional faint marginal spotting, plates in both volumes generally quite clean and fine. A very good copy of this finely illustrated work.