Blake (William).- Young (Edward) The Complaint, and the Consolation; or, Night Thoughts, 4 engraved part-titles and 39 illustrations by William Blake after his own designs around letterpress text, with letterpress 'Explanation' leaf tipped into blank leaf following title (usually missing), also with 1874 prospectus for reproduction set of the original watercolours with specimen leaf bound at end, light offsetting from plates as usual, one or two small stains and occasional marginal soiling, stain to foot of p.viii, very slightly trimmed occasionally just shaving plate, small gilt-stamped roan bookplate of Sinclair Hamilton and book-label of William T.Moore Blake collection, later half red morocco, by Rivière, spine gilt in compartments with six raised bands, g.e., a little rubbed, corners slightly worn, [Bentley 515; Ray 3], large 4to (c.415 x 325mm.), R. Noble for R. Edwards, 1797.*** A good copy of this ambitious work, with both the rare explanation leaf and the very rare 1874 prospectus by James Bain soliciting subscriptions for a projected set of reproductions of the original watercolours (never issued). Blake had been commissioned by Edwards to illustrate Young's popular work and produced 537 watercolours. As a trial these first four sections or "Nights" were published with 43 engravings by Blake but it presumably did not sell well and no further engravings were made.Sinclair Hamilton (1884-1978), book-collector and author of Early American Book Illustrators and Wood Engravers, 1670-1870, 2 vol., Princeton, 1958-68. He donated his collection to Princeton University Library.