Mr. Sponge s Sporting Tour. By the Author of Handley Cross , Jorrocks s Jaunts etc etc. With Illustrations by John Leech. [First Edition, First Issue Fine Binding by Roger de Coverly]

Robert Smith SURTEES [1803-1864].

Published by London: Bradbury And Evans, 1853

About this Item

London: Bradbury And Evans, 1853, First Edition, First Issue, bound from the parts. Modern full morocco, by Roger de Coverly, with 13 hand-coloured etched plates and wood-engraved text illustrations by John Leech. x, [2], 408pp First Edition, First Issue, dedicated to Lord Elcho. With Illustrations by John Leech. With numerous wood-engraved illustrations throughout. A very good copy of the First Edition. Lacks ads at rear (not bound in). Dedicated to Lord Elcho. According to Simon Houfe in "John Leech and the Victorian Scene," Leech's hunting subjects first gained a following in Punch magazine beginning in 1847. Slightly cocked. Although no one seems to know exactly when the leading sporting writer and the foremost sporting illustrator first met, by 1851 Leech, Surtees, and the publisher's Bradbury and Evans had already begun work on "Mr. Sponge's Sporting Tour." The work, of course, was an immediate success, being first issued in twelve monthly parts. The work would prove to be the first of many they would collaborate upon. The bookbinding career of Roger de Coverly (1831-1914) seems to be characterised by a desire to leave it! His apprenticeship with the flourishing firm of Zaehnsdorf s was so colourless and humdrum that he petitioned for time off to study the violin. His name recalls a 17th century English folk dance but his passion was for music, not dancing, and this sustained him throughout his life. His next employment at John and James Leighton s of Brewer Street provided more fun. His fellows there shared Roger s love of chess, which they played during their lunch-break and at meetings of the Bookbinders Amateur Chess Club founded c1852. Music was not neglected and Roger s solo performance for the Battersea Vocal Association was commended in the Music Times of 1 March 1861. When Roger established his own workshop (in Leicester Square and later 6 St Martin s Court and 91 Shaftsbury Avenue), there was little time for the extra- curricular activities he loved. As a one man band, he had to forward and finish the bindings himself. His wife Elisabeth contributed financially by opening a school for young ladies. Slowly, however, the bindings business began to flourish. It was patronised by aristocrats, noted writers (for example T E Lawrence) and artists. His style was rather conservative and retrospective but the good quality materials used and his stated goal, to bind excellently rather than cheaply made up for lack of originality, for some at least. (British Library). Provenance no inscriptions or bookplates. Approximately 8 ¾ inches tall. Condition Report Externally Spine very good condition gilt titles and decoration, minor scratches and marks, raised bands. Joints good condition gently rubbed and worn. Corners good condition gently bumped and worn. Boards good condition red morocco boards with gilt filets. Page edges good condition gilt. See above and photos. Internally Hinges good condition good and solid. Paste downs good condition marbled paper covered with gilt dentelles. End papers good condition marbled. Title good condition tanned. Pages good condition some foxing. Binding good condition attractive, slightly cocked. See photos. Publisher: see above. Publication Date: 1853 Binding: Hardback.

Seller Inventory # ABE-1678654549628

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Mr. Sponge s Sporting Tour. By the Author of Handley Cross , Jorrocks s Jaunts etc etc. With Illustrations by John Leech. [First Edition, First Issue Fine Binding by Roger de Coverly]
• Publisher: London: Bradbury And Evans
• Publication Date: 1853
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Fine Binding
  • Leather Bindings
  • Zaehnsdorf Fine Binding