The English Dance of Death (1815-1816), First Edition) | Illustrated by Thomas Rowlandson

2025-10-02T20:29:38-04:00

Price: 4250.00

First Edition, complete in two-volumes, of The English Dance of Death (London: R. Ackermann, 1815–1816), with illustrations by William Combe, author of Doctor Syntax. This celebrated satirical work features Thomas Rowlandson’s hand-colored plates depicting skeletons gleefully intruding upon everyday scenes of English life—mocking gluttons, apothecaries, judges, soldiers, and more. The result is a biting, darkly comic reflection on mortality in the Georgian era.

These volumes are finely bound in full marbled calf by Riviere & Son, with gilt-ruled borders, gilt-tooled spines with floral motifs, and contrasting red and black spine labels. Rich blue endpapers with gilt dentelle turn-ins complete the elegant presentation. Each volume contains a hand-colored frontispiece, hand-colored vignette title page, and 72 additional hand-colored plates, all in strong impressions with fine coloring.

Collectibility and Importance:
• First edition of a landmark satirical work published at the height of Ackermann’s Regency print shop.
• Hand-colored plates by Rowlandson, among his most famous and sought-after caricatures, satirizing English society with macabre humor.
• Riviere & Son binding, renowned nineteenth-century London bindery known for their superb craftsmanship.
• Provenance: Armorial bookplate of Richard Holmeden (1777–1857), adding bibliophilic and historical interest.
• Complete in two volumes, rare in such condition, as plates are often found individually removed.
• Cultural significance: A quintessential reflection of Georgian-era wit, death iconography, and social satire — highly desirable for collectors of caricature, illustrated books, and fine bindings.

Very Rare!

Condition: Near Fine

Size: 6” x 9.5”

An exceptional and complete example of Rowlandson’s most famous satirical cycle, in a handsome period binding. A cornerstone work for collectors of caricature, satire, and illustrated books.