Repository of Arts, Literature, Commerce, Manufactures, Fashions, and Politics, The by ACKERMANN, Rudolph

London: R. Ackermann, 1809-18. A Presentation Run of Ackermann's "Repository of Arts"
With 747 Plates, including 45 Plates with Fabric Samples Affixed

[ACKERMANN, Rudolph, publisher]. The Repository of Arts, Literature, Commerce, Manufactures, Fashions, and Politics. Series 1, Volumes I-XIV (January, 1809-December, 1815) and Series 2, Volumes I-VI (January, 1816-December, 1818). London: R. Ackermann, 1809-1818.

Series I, volume I is a presentation copy from Rudolph Ackermann to his good friend Joshua Watson.

First editions. Twenty octavo volumes bound in ten (9 1/4 x 5 5/8 inches; 236 x 144 mm.). Text in double columns.

Series One (volumes I-XIV) with 406 colored plates (some folding) including aquatint views, fashion plates, and furniture designs and 79 uncolored plates (mainly 'Needlework and Muslin Patterns'). In addition there are 45 (of 62) "Allegorical Woodcut" plates, with 152 (of 175) fabric samples affixed.

Series Two (volumes I-VI) with 172 colored plates (some folding) including aquatint views, fashion plates, and furniture designs and 45 uncolored plates.

Contemporary half red straight-grain morocco over marbled boards. Spines with five raised bands, decoratively tooled and lettered in gilt, marbled edges. With the bookplate of Maxine and Joel Spitz on front paste-downs. Slight wear to bindings. An excellent run of this historically important periodical with the first fourteen (and best) volumes with a very high proportion of the 'fabric samples' present.

Provenance: Purchased from Marshall Field, 6 January 1930. Volume I is a presentation copy from Rudolph Ackermann to his good friend Joshua Watson ('Allow me the pleasure of presenting you with my annual Forget me Not', he writes in a tipped in, 2-page letter, dated Strand 29 December 1823) full text of letter below.

"The name of Ackermann is intimately associated with the ‘Repository of Arts, Literature, Fashions, Manufactures, &c.,' which at once became so successful that before the end of the first year (1809) it obtained 3,000 subscribers. It regularly appeared until 1828, when forty volumes had been produced in monthly 3s. 6d. parts, under the editorship of F. Shoberl. Wm. Combe was a large contributor, and Rowlandson supplied many of the plates. The illustrations of fashions, mostly by well-known artists, supply valuable materials for the history of costume" (D.N.B.)

"Strand 29 Dec 1823. My Dear Sir, Allow me the pleasure of presenting you with my annual Forget me not, as also with a little favourite child of mine, called Parables, just ready for starting in the World. Now as this youth is educated in the Path of Virtue, Morality, and Religion, I anticipate without fear its kindest reception by so good a man as my friend Mr. Watson, whose fostering hand will lead it the right way on its starting, and protect it on its way, and when once so introduced will easily recommend itself to all good Society, & flourish. Please accept the usual compliments of the season. I remain, My Dear Sir, Your most obliging, R. Ackermann. To Joshua Watson Esq."

Joshua Watson, a public benefactor and counsellor of the Church of England was a good friend of Rudolph Ackermann.

Abbey, Life, 212. Colas 2541. Hiler, p. 745. Lipperheide 4598. Martin Hardie, pp. 110-112. Tooley 8.