The Comic History of Rome by a Beckett, Gilbert Albert (1811-1856) - 1852

London: Bradbury, Evans, and CO, 1852. First Edition, First Printing. A Very Good Hardcover. Very Good;/No Dust Jacket As Issued. Illustrated by John Leech (1894-1941).

Green pebbled cloth covered boards with gilt blind-stamped decorations and titles. All edges gilt. Bindings tight and square. Text clean, light even toning. Moderate handling wear. Trace of foxing. 8vo; 8.5 inches tall; xii, 308 p., [10] p. of plates : ill. (some col.) ; 23 cm A few book-dealer notes and small ownership name on front endpages. [no date c1852] Illustrations by John Leech: 10 hand-colored plates and 98 wood engravings. First Edition, First Printing.. Irreverent recounting of British and Roman histories with illustrations. The style of writing was uncommon this early in the 19th century.

the Preface states, "to blend amusement with instruction by serving up, in as palatable a shape as [the author] could, the facts of English [and, later, Roman] history." Writer Becket worked with illustrator Leech on the staff of the poplar and influential humor magazine Punch, mainly burlesques and farces.

John Leech was a staff artist for "Punch" from its early issues in 1841. Gilbert Abbott à Beckett was one of the original staff members for "Punch." One of the Victorian era's best-known comedies.

REF: Bodl: 011680456; Abbey Life 435; Knutz Watson, 1142,