Author: Doctor Syntax (William Combe)
Illustrator: Rowlandson/ Cruikshank
Title: The Tour of Dr Syntax in Search of the Picturesque
Publisher: J. Johnston - Cheapside (London)
Edition: 1820 1st Edition
Pages: 319
 
Description: A very good, quite attractive and quite rare copy of The Tour of Doctor Syntax Through London, or the Pleasures and Miseries of the Metropolis. Published by J. Johnston, London. The 1820 First edition. Featuring the vignette title page and 19 full-page hand-colored plates by Thomas Rowlandson and Robert Isaac Cruikshank. 8vo. iv, [ii], 319 pp. 1 volume. Rebound by Riviere & Son (Ca. 1890) in full pebbled maroon morocco, Five raised bands, spine gilt with print in the second compartment, top edge gilt, gilt inner dentelles and marbled endpapers. The engraved hand-colored title with a large vignette shows some foxing and toning with a bit of chipping along the outer edge of the Title page. Repair work to the spine, which appears to have been rebacked at some point. The interior is in very nice condition with just scattered toning and foxing to pages throughout. The tissue guards are still present at each of the color aquatint plates, but are deatched and laid in. Overall a beautiful example of the 1820 First Edition.  
 
Well known artist Thomas Rowlandson (1757–1827) and writer William Combe (1742–1823) co-created the character of Doctor Syntax in 1809 and went on to write the popular Doctor Syntax series published respectively in 1812, 1820 and 1821.  "Both Rowlandson and I.R. Cruikshank are credited with the designs for the plates.