249 - MEYRICK (Samuel Rush) & PYNE (William Henry). *The Costume of Great Britain*, designed, engraved, and written by W.H. Pyne. London: Miller, 1804.

MEYRICK (Samuel Rush) & PYNE (William Henry). *The Costume of Great Britain*, designed, engraved, and written by W.H. Pyne. London: Miller, 1804. Folio, red long-grain morocco, spine with richly decorated faux raised bands, gilt lace, and a large central design cold-stamped on the covers; gilt roulette on the inside and on the edges; gilt edges (contemporary binding). First edition. The illustrations include a vignette on the title page and 60 finely colored plates, each accompanied by an explanatory note in English. The author was a painter, engraver, landscape artist, and writer. In this work, he combines these three talents and invites the reader to discover the many facets of early 19th-century Britain. He depicts the costumes of royalty, the clergy, the military, servants, and others… These beautifully drawn and colored plates bring the characters to life. Thus, the reader can relate to the luxury enjoyed by the clergy or the hardships endured by the working class. A fine copy with no foxing, some minor wear, and some old restorations.