A Lecture on Heads, by Geo. Alex. Stevens, with Additions, as Delivered by Mr. Charles Lee Lewes. To Which is Added, An Essay on Satire.

Stevens, George Alexander; Lewes, Charles Lee; Woodward, G. M. (illus.)

Published by Printed for Vernor, Hood, and Sharpes, [et al]. by W. Wilson, London, 1808

About this Item

Contemporary half calf, 12mo; with hand-colored etched folding frontis., and 24 etched (uncolored) plates, all piece by George Woodward after Thomas Rowlandson. Some offsetting from the frontispiece, otherwise a bright, clean copy throughout. Upper joint just cracking; a little rubbing along edges of boards. A collaborative physiognomical romp, with the designs attributed to Woodward and the engravings to Rowlandson. As for the text, according to Grego, "George Stevens was a very indifferent actor, but a man of humorous parts, and in himself was considered, by his contemporaries, most entertaining company. The idea of a lecture was given him by a country carpenter, who made the character-blocks which formed the subjects of illustration. It proved an extraordinary success in the hands of its originator. After he retired, more than one actor attempted it, with poor results. Lewes [grandfather of George Henry Lewes, George Eliot's partner] was the most successful of Stevens' imitators." Includes a drunken head, a crying philosopher, and old bachelor, and more.

Seller Inventory # SS100-3826

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Lecture on Heads, by Geo. Alex. Stevens, with Additions, as Delivered by Mr. Charles Lee Lewes. To Which is Added, An Essay on Satire.
• Publisher: Printed for Vernor, Hood, and Sharpes, [et al]. by W. Wilson, London
• Publication Date: 1808
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Very Good+