Ackermann, Rudolph, publisher.

The Microcosm of London, 1808, 3 volumes, 104 plates; The History of the Abbey Church of St. Peter's Westminster, 1812, 2 volumes, 83 plates; A History of the University of Oxford, 2 volumes, 1814, 115 plates; A History of the University of Cambridge, 2 volumes, 1815, 96 plates; The History of the Colleges of Winchester, Eton and Westminster, 1816, 48 plates



Together 10 volumes, 4to (335 x 280mm.), 446 hand-coloured aquatint or engraved plates (including portraits of founders), later near-uniform straight-grained maroon morocco gilt, the binding for the Microcosm signed by Rivière and Son, top edges gilt, others uncut, [Abbey, Scenery 212, 213, 278, 79, 438]

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A finely-bound, attractive and complete set of Ackermann's British topographical works, with coloured plates after Rowlandson, Pugin, Westall and others.

A "sumptuous series of books... [they] were illustrated with coloured aquatints, which in the history of book illustration have scarcely been surpassed" (Hardie, English Coloured Books, p.100).