Edward Combe Thomas Rowlandson
London, England, Early 19th Century
Scarce Nineteenth-Century Satire: Complete Set of "The Tour of Dr. Syntax"
Books

A complete set of first editions of the satirical series "The Tour of Dr. Syntax" by Edward Combe, with colored aquatint illustrations by Thomas Rowlandson, (London: R. Ackermann's Repository of Arts, 1812, 1820 and 1821 respectively), all 8vo (6" x 9.5") bound in red Morocco with gilt accents, spine in six compartments with gilt-accented rules and title, integral ribbon bookmark.

The first volume is titled "The Tour of Dr. Syntax in Search of the Picturesque," 275pp.; the second "The Second Tour of Dr. Syntax in Search of Consolation," 277pp.; and the third: "The Third Tour of Dr. Syntax In Search of a Wife," 279pp.

All three volumes bear wear to spine with some splitting thereon, bindings loose, edge wear and bumping, loss of leather at top of spine of Vol. II, and front board of Vol I detached, still generally good. Interior pages are evenly toned, with illustrations bright.

"The Tour of Dr. Syntax" series provides a fictional account in verse of a country schoolteacher cum doctor who sets out to travel and make his fortune by narrating and illustrating the quaint places he visits. It was enormously popular in England during a period in which satire, though on the wane, still enjoyed a solid position within the literature of its time. Combe and Rowlandson also collaborated on "The English Dance of Death" (1815) and "The Dance of Life (1816-1817).

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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6" X 9"