"The English Dance of Death from the Designs of Thomas Rowlandson: With Metrical illustrations by the Author of "Doctor Syntax" [William Combe]". New Edition with 72 color plates by Rowlandson, published by D. Appleton & Company, New York, 1903 [First American Edition], printed in Edinburgh. Complete in 2 volumes. This edition is founded on the original edition published by Ackermann, London in the year of 1815.

Two volume set, hard boards, bound in red cloth with the original paper titles on spine which are a little brown with age [the label and cloth of the first volume are slightly darker]; 4.1/2" x 7"; "W.G. Burke Compliments John D. Ross" is pencil written on the front endpaper of the first volume; "Janny F. Field. March 1909" is ink written on the front ep of the second volume.
Volume I: additional color illustrated title page of the 1815 edition, 263 pages containing 36 color plates on glossy paper and 36 metrical compositions by William Combe, some foxing, very good condition.
Volume II: color frontispiece with tissue guard, 261 pages containing 36 color plates on glossy paper and 36 metrical compositions by William Combe, very good condition.

"The English Dance of Death was originally published in 1815. Comprised of two volumes, it features 72 metrical compositions by William Combe, which are meant to accompany 72 illustrated plates designed by Thomas Rowlandson. Focusing on an earnest expression of character, the authors unravel each of the situations. The plates and the written work find a connection using a thoughtful blend of humor and a wonderful purpose of virtue, carefully presented through an artistic effort." [a review}

Rowlandson's take on the Dance of Death often satirize English society of the period, using contemporary scenes and characters from the 19th century.

"The book consists of a total of 72 prints, and works well as a coffee table read. Check it out for one of the most lighthearted takes on the Dance of Death tradition rendered in a satirical style that makes it very much a statement on life in Georgian England, and still quite enjoyable today." [private review]

"Perhaps the most original and light-hearted of all the modern Dance of Death series, however, is Thomas Rowlandson's The English Dance of Death. Dating to 1815-6, this work combines the bright and colourful cartoons of Thomas Rowlandson (1742-1823) with the acerbic and witty poetry of William Combe (1742-1823).

Again, this series employs largely contemporary scenes with modern-day characters and surroundings, at events such as the Hunt where the old adage "the hunter becomes the hunted" takes on a new meaning. Above, Death displays a sense of irony as he poisons the remedies that unsuspecting customers queue up to buy from the Apothecary." [Special Collections Department, Library, University of Glasgow]

Note:
Country restrictions may apply - the lesser expansive Priority shipping may not be available to all countries.

US: Priority (c.2-4 days) -------- $18.50
Canada: Priority (c.2-6 weeks) -- $29.50
World: Priority (c.2-8 weeks) --- $42.50