With Rare Color Images from Engraved Woodblocks

BAXTER, G.  THE PICTORIAL ALBUM; OR, CABINET OF PAINTINGS.

London: Chapman and Hall, (1837.) 4to. Publisher's straight-grained morocco binding with colored onlays. 71, (1) pages, 11 color printed plates (including the title page and frontispiece). First edition.

A landmark book in the history of color printing, The Pictorial Album was actually a trade catalogue written by Baxter to promote his method of color printing.  Baxter had patents for producing images directly from engraved woodblocks, a method soon supplanted by chromolithography.  The preface includes a lengthy history of color printing.  Joan Friedman described it as a "most distinguished work in the field of color illustration.  In addition to the beauty of the color work, this book is noteworthy as being the first English book fully illustrated by pictures printed in color intended to appeal to a popular audience."  Two of the plates have been slightly embossed giving them a three dimensional effect. The book has been professionally rebacked using the original spine as an overlay.  There is a corner stain on the first few leaves, not affecting image or text.  A very good bright copy of a book usually found in horrible condition.

$2,250.00