3 volumes. [4], ii, 188, [2], 21; [6], 88, [2], 28, [2], 88; [6], 80, [2], 92, 16 pp. (Complete, including the sometimes lacking 2-page List of Plates found at end of Vol. 3.) With 100 hand-colored aquatint plates by T. Sutherland, D. Havell, R. Reeve, W.J. Bennett and others after C. Wild, J. Stephanoff, W. Westall and R. Cattermole. (Large 4to) 40x32 cm (15¾x12½"), cathedral binding in black straight grain morocco bordered in gilt, spine decoratively tooled in gilt, raised bands, gilt dentelles and turn-ins, all edges gilt. Large paper copy. First Edition.
A magnificent set of histories, descriptions, and engraved aquatint renderings of the homes of British royalty, with detailed views of both interiors and exteriors. First recognized for his work as a painter, William Henry Pyne began a series of book collaborations in the early 1800s that led him increasingly into the role of author, particularly during a series of projects with the famous lithographer, Rudolph Ackermann. "It is not perhaps surprising that, being himself designer, painter, engraver and author, [Pyne] should become enamoured of book production. His great effort in this direction was the large and costly work entitled The History of the Royal Residences...undoubtedly a very sumptuous book for which author, artist, engraver and publisher alike did their best" - Prideaux. Royal Residences is among the finest and most famous of English color plate books, distinguished for the thorough descriptions by Pyne, the splendid work of the artists, and the stunning color of the aquatint plates. Abbey, Scenery 396. Prideaux, pp.142-43. Tooley 389.
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Condition:
Some rubbing to spines, edges and corners, Vol. III with a small tear at heel, gilt fading a bit on spines and borders; a few hinges starting slightly, occasional stains, a few instances of worming to leaves; overall very good.