Microcosm: Or A Picturesque Delineation of the Arts, Agriculture, Manufactures of Great Britain. Part 2. English Rural Life. by Pyne, W. H - 1977

1822. London, R.Ackermann, (1822-24). Folio oblong. Bound in one fine hmorocco, raised bands and gilt back. Uncut. 30,36 pp. and 120 fine aquatint-plates (drawn and etched by W.H.Pyne, 23 x 30 cm.). Marginally brownspotted. - Importent sourcework for information of pre-industrial techniques. First Ackermann-edition of William Pyne's splendid and beautiful collection of 120 plates presenting a detailed and romantic survey of the British nation at work in the markets, fields, industry ect. Pyne himself described his work as "a national work... a monument in the rustic style". The book served also as a source book for aspiring artists, and copies of Pyne's pictures were to be found all over 19th century Europe. The ideological background for Pyne's work is to be found in the wake of the French Revolution. After 1789, the urban bourgeoisie feared revolution, therefore they increasingly looked to the countryside to provide a model of a fair and stable society. "Their desire was articulated in the form… Read More