The Great Metropolis: Views and History of London
The Great Metropolis; or Views and History of London in the Nineteenth Century: Being a Grand Exhibition of the British Capital, with Historical and Topographical Notices of Each Place, edited by William Gray Fearnside, ESQ. and Thomas Harrel. This is a scarce 1862 edition, published by D. Omer Smith, London.
A Victorian illustrated history and visual survey of London, offering a fascinating portrait of the capital during the nineteenth century. The Great Metropolis presents the city through a series of finely engraved views, depicting many of London’s most notable landmarks and public spaces, including Westminster, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge, the Thames and numerous public buildings and streets.
This 1862 edition is presented in the publisher’s original embossed and gilt Moroccan binding. The volume is fully bound in a rich dark burgundy morocco, with elaborate gilt ornamentation to the front and rear boards. The upper board features gilt titling, while the spine is decorated with further gilt tooling and lettering, together with raised bands. All edges gilt. The binding retains an attractive and luxurious Victorian appearance, with only slight wear to the edges of the boards.
The volume is illustrated with 34 steel-engraved plates, including a frontispiece and illustrated title page. Each plate is protected by its original tissue guard. The engravings provide detailed contemporary views of London and its architecture, offering both an aesthetic and historical record of the Victorian capital. The plates remain particularly bright and clean, having been well preserved by the tissue guards.
The text is complete, comprising pages 1–129. There is some minor foxing throughout, consistent with the age of the volume, though this does not materially affect the text or illustrations. The engravings remain clear, bright, and well preserved. Binding remains tight and secure, with all pages and illustrations present.
An attractive and desirable example of a Victorian illustrated London book, particularly appealing for its comprehensive series of steel engravings and handsome original morocco binding.
This is being sold for £250.
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