LAVATER (Jean-Gaspard). Essays on physiognomy. London, John Murray, 1789-1793. 3 volumes in 5 in-4 (340 x 270mm), marbled calf, spines ornamented with red and green marbled title and tomes, double framed with gilt fillets with fleurons in spandrels, spotted with blue and red (post. binding in imitation). Armorial bookplate of Scottish banker and politician Alexander Dennistoun (1789-1874). I. [11] ff, iv pp, [5] ff, 178 pp, pp. 175*-178*, pp. 179-281, title vignette, 15 plates out of text and 77 vignettes in-t. II. xii-238 pp. with title vignette, 45 plates out of text and 79 vignettes in-t. III. [3] ff. pp. [239]-444, 47 plates and 64 vignettes in-t. IV. xii-252 pp. with title vignette, 25 plates out of text and 81 vignettes in-t. V. [3] ff. pp. 253-437, [6] ff. 42 plates and 60 vignettes in-t. First English edition, profusely illustrated with 174 engraved plates and about 361 engraved vignettes in the text. Lavater was the last and most influential physiognomist whose work served as a reference for artists of the time, both for the creation of portraits and for the construction of individual faces in historical paintings. (Brunet III, 887.) A fine copy.