"A Journey from London to the Isle of Wight",

This "tour" book recounts Thomas Pennant's journey from London to Isle of Wight. This volume was part of his larger work entitled Outlines of the Globe. Pennant, a Welsh naturalist and antiquarian, traveled this region by horseback and recorded his experiences as a tourist with vivid details. According to the preface, he was "the first who enlivened the dryness of topographical research with historical and biographical anecdote, and illustrated description with the decorations of the pencil." The book is divided into two volumes: London to Dover (205 pages) and Dover to Isle of Wight (207 pages). The volumes are richly illustrated with 2 folding maps (each approximately 28.5 x 9") and 47 plates. The maps show good detail along the route including towns, roads, rivers, and even individual buildings. The plates include portraits, scenic views, important buildings, and feature a folding "Pavilion at Brighton." Quarto, rebacked with original leather boards.

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Condition: B

Contents are good to very good with light scattered foxing that is more widespread on the plates and first map (London to Dover). There are library blind stamps on all plates, maps, and the title page as well as a bookplate on the front pastedown. Rebacked with original boards, which are heavily worn.