A Survey of the Cities of London and Westminster:

£3,000 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

first illustrated edition of Stow's London The first illustrated edition of one of the greatest of all London books, with Stow's original 1598 survey augmented, expanded, and updated by later editors, and furnished with a fine array of maps and plates. The text, which was beginning to be compiled as early as 1703, comprises a general description and history, ward by ward topography, accounts of the suburbs and liberties, a long and detailed summation of the government and customs of the City and its institutions, laws and trades, as well as substantial material on Westminster and the outlying parishes. The maps include folding maps of the city and the environs by Richard William Seale (1703-1762) and maps of the individual wards and outlying parishes. The 70 exquisite plates are by Johannes Kip and were specially produced for this work. Fifth edition; six volumes or 'Books' bound in two, folio (40 x 26 cm); 70 engraved maps and views by Kip and others, each 'Book' with drop-head title and own pagination, small loss of margin corner to pp.xv-xvi repaired, else clean and attractive internally; twentieth-century half calf, cloth boards, spines lettered in gilt in six compartments, all edges marbled, a touch of rubbing, a very good set. Adams 25.

• Binding: Hardcover

Found via Rare Books Intel, a search across rare-book dealers, auction houses and marketplaces worldwide.