Adventures of Doctor Comicus or The Frolicks of Fortune
Published by London: Printed for B. Blake, 1815
- First Edition
- Used
Seller: David Brass Rare Books, Inc., Calabasas, CA, U.S.A.David Brass Rare Books, Inc.
AbeBooks seller since February 1, 2007
Condition: Used
£ 1,741.74
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
The First Dr. Syntax Imitation In a Superb Inlaid Binding by Rivière & Son [COMBE, William, after]. [RIVIÈRE & Son, Binders]. The Adventures of Doctor Comicus or The Frolicks of Fortune. A Comic Satirical Poem for the Squeamish & The Queer. In Twelve Cantos, by a Modern Syntax. London: Printed for B. Blake, n.d. [1815]. First edition. Octavo (8 13/16 x 5 1/4 in; 224 x 132 mm). [2], 269, [1] pp. Fifteen hand-colored aquatint plates, including frontispiece and extra engraved title. Bound c. 1925 by Rivière & Son (stamp-signed) in full antelope brown crushed morocco with gilt fillets surrounding an elaborately gilt frame enclosing a reproduced portrait of Dr. Comicus from the extra titlepage comprised of multi-colored calf onlays. Spine compartments reiterate gilt decoration to boards. Broad turn-ins with gilt rules and corner-pieces. Moire silk endpapers. Expertly and almost invisibly rebacked with the original spine laid down. A very attractive example. A clever and now uncommon parodic offshoot of the hugely successful Doctor Syntax series, consciously modeled on William Combe's verse and Rowlandson's visual idiom. Although neither Rowlandson nor Combe were directly involved, the book trades knowingly on their fame, adopting the familiar cantos, mock-heroic tone, and episodic structure that had made Doctor Syntax a publishing sensation in the previous decade. Doctor Comicus follows its hapless protagonist through a sequence of misadventures and social embarrassments, using broad humor, caricature, and topical satire to skewer manners, pretensions, and eccentricities of Regency life. The hand-colored plates - spirited, energetic, and intentionally Rowlandsonian - form an essential part of the joke, reinforcing the book's role as both homage and spoof. "This is the first of many imitations of Dr. Syntax" (Tooley). The success of Dr. Syntax "produced a host of parodies and spurious imitations. Among them the best perhaps is the Tour of Dr. Syntax through London.Others were Dr. Comicus, or the Frolics of Fortune, in 1815, with fifteen plates [reprinted in 1820 with only twelve plates].It looks as if Com-icus were a pun on Combe's name, to add insult to injury" (Hardie). Abbey, Life 254. Tooley 431. Prideaux, p. 334. Hardie, p. 317.…
Seller Inventory # 02669
Bibliographic details
- Title
- Adventures of Doctor Comicus or The Frolicks of Fortune
- Author
- COMBE, William, after; RIVIÈRE & SON
- Publisher
- London: Printed for B. Blake, 1815
- Edition
- First Edition.
- Seller catalogs
- Caricatures, Color-Plate Books, Fine Bindings
David Brass Rare Books, Inc.
Calabasas, CA, U.S.A.
Shipping rates within U.S.A.
| Item | 5 to 14 business days | 3 to 6 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 7.52 | £ 11.27 |
Payment methods
- Bank Draft
- Bank Wire Transfer
- Cash
- Check
- Invoice
- Money Order
Store description
WHAT IS DAVID BRASS RARE BOOKS? David Brass Rare Books, Inc. specializes in buying and selling only the finest examples of English, American and European Literature, Children's Books, Color-Plate Books, Illustrated Books, Early Printed Books, Private Press Books, Fine Bindings, Original Artwork, Manuscripts, High Spot Modern First Editions, Rare Books and High Spots. HOW WE WORK We fully catalogue and photograph all of our items. We realize that every book has its own unique characteristics, so our catalogue descriptions give you a clear and precise explanation of condition, style, history, etc. Our photographs are of the highest digital quality, and will give you the clearest idea of what out items actually look like. We believe that this detailed information will provide a greater sense of confidence to the discerning collector who is considering a purchase. CONSIGNMENTS Consignments are welcome. If you want to use our name and contacts to find a home for your rare pieces, ask us about our terms. We offer full security and insurance while we house your item.…
Specialty
First Editions, Illustrated Books, Fine Bindings & Sets, Private Press, Children's Books, Literature, Color Plate Books, Travel, Early Printed Books, Modern FirstsAssociation member
Seller's business information
David Brass Rare Books, Inc.
P.O. Box 9029
Calabasas, CA U.S.A. 91372
Terms of sale
We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the Abebooks web sites. If you are
dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the order hasn't
arrived, you're eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date. If you've changed your
mind about a book that you've ordered, please use the Ask bookseller a question link to contact us and
we'll respond within 2 business days.
Right of withdrawal
If you are a consumer you can withdraw from the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.
Information regarding the right of withdrawal
Statutory right to withdraw
You have the right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.
The withdrawal period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the last good or the last lot or piece.
To exercise the right of withdrawal, electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". We will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.
To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period has expired.
Effects of withdrawal
If you withdraw from this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).
We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.
We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to withdraw from this contract.
We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.
We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back, or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.
You shall send back the goods or hand them over to David Brass Rare Books, Inc., Calabasas, California, U.S.A., without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your withdrawal from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Exceptions to the right of withdrawal
The right of withdrawal does not apply to:
- The delivery of newspapers, journals or magazines with the exception of subscription contracts; and
- The supply of digital content which is not supplied on a tangible medium (e.g. on a CD or DVD) if you accepted when you placed your order that we could start to deliver it, and that you could not withdraw once delivery had started.
Shipping terms
DELIVERY
We will ship worldwide by FedEx, UPS and US Post. Please ask for details of insurance and freight.
PRICING
All prices are in US dollars. For our overseas customers please email us for a conversion into your currency if needed. Shipping and Insurance will be charged at cost. Payment by MasterCard, Visa, or American Express credit card is acceptable. Checks require ten days to clear.