Pyne (William Henry) Microcosm: or, A Picturesque Delineation of the Arts, Agriculture, Manufactures, &c. of Great Britain, 2 vol. in 1, additional aquatint title to vol.1 and 120 plates printed in sepia, plus a duplicate of Rope Makers in vol.2, extra-illustrated by the insertion of 11 laid-in original preparatory sketches in ink & wash or pencil for the plates, some foxing and browning, first drawing with crease to surrounding mount, one text leaf with old tear repaired, and one plate with marginal repair, contemporary calf, rubbed and leather dried and cracked, rebacked and recornered, [Abbey, Life 177], oblong folio, 1808.

⁂ A very appealing copy of this impressive work, the original preparatory drawings showing Pyne's excellent skills as a draughtsman. The plates depict a multitude of economic and recreational activities, from hunting, cricket, racing and archery to colliers, fishermen, charcoal burners and smugglers at work.

Provenance: Sir Manson M. Beeton (bookplate); J.W. (unidentified bookplate); Sotheby's sale 10 March 1948 (pencil note to endpaper) [bought by Batsford for £15]