BICKHAM Jr., George
The Musical Entertainer
£5,750
London: Printed for & sold by Charles Corbett. [c.1740].
Two volumes bound in one. Folio. 365x235mm. ll. [2], 100; [2], 100. Twentieth century crimson morocco. Upper and lower covers with roll-tooled border in gilt and panels and lozenges in gilt to centre. Spine with five raised bands, compartments decorated with a geometric design and Tudor roses, second compartment lettered in gilt. Gilt turn ins, all edges gilt. Front pastedown has the burgundy morocco bookplate of W.A.Foyle of Beeleigh Abbey. Engraved title pages to both volumes and each of the 200 leaves of music has a vignette at the head engraved by George Bickham which seeks to capture the subject matter or the spirit of the song. Table of contents of volume one has been repaired and reattached. Repaired closed tear to bottom edge of leaf 35 of volume one. Fore-edge of leaf 56 of volume one has been repaired and the paper used for the repair is discoloured. Repair to bottom outer corner of title page of volume two, not affecting the engraving. Some soiling and spotting but overall a very nice copy of this collection of 175 songs which includes music by Handel, Purcell, although most of the songs are light affairs as well as some folk and hunting songs. But it is Bickham's wonderfully atmospheric engravings, full of life and detail, many framed with elaborate rococo cartouches that are the main attraction.
Two volumes bound in one. Folio. 365x235mm. ll. [2], 100; [2], 100. Twentieth century crimson morocco. Upper and lower covers with roll-tooled border in gilt and panels and lozenges in gilt to centre. Spine with five raised bands, compartments decorated with a geometric design and Tudor roses, second compartment lettered in gilt. Gilt turn ins, all edges gilt. Front pastedown has the burgundy morocco bookplate of W.A.Foyle of Beeleigh Abbey. Engraved title pages to both volumes and each of the 200 leaves of music has a vignette at the head engraved by George Bickham which seeks to capture the subject matter or the spirit of the song. Table of contents of volume one has been repaired and reattached. Repaired closed tear to bottom edge of leaf 35 of volume one. Fore-edge of leaf 56 of volume one has been repaired and the paper used for the repair is discoloured. Repair to bottom outer corner of title page of volume two, not affecting the engraving. Some soiling and spotting but overall a very nice copy of this collection of 175 songs which includes music by Handel, Purcell, although most of the songs are light affairs as well as some folk and hunting songs. But it is Bickham's wonderfully atmospheric engravings, full of life and detail, many framed with elaborate rococo cartouches that are the main attraction.
