Comments on: Microcosm Of London, 1809

By: Barb Drummond

Barb Drummond — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 08:51:51 +0000

Am reading Ackerman 1783-1983. Publishers of this & still family business. Incredible. Love the images. Thanks for posting

By: Stephen Barker

Stephen Barker — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 09:55:49 +0000

For anyone interested in 1943 “The Microcosm of London” was published as a King Penguin, it has text by the architectural historian John Summerson and 16 colour plates. The colour plates are not as sharp as the originals but do convey the spirit of Pugin’s and Rowlandson’s work. Copies of the book can still be purchased relatively cheaply depending on the condition of the volume.
The King Penguins were the same size as a paperback Penguin, they are slim volumes with hard covers. The series covered a range of topics including art, design, natural history. I believe that they have been inspired by German books published in the 1920s, many of which have attractive cover patterns. Also in a similar format are Zodiac Books, the few I have are more literary.

By: pauline taylor

pauline taylor — Wed, 04 May 2016 22:24:53 +0000

The missing plate had probably been removed and framed, an act of vandalism to booksellers like ourselves, but one that occurs, not only with books like this but also with those with fashion plates and ferns and so on. Every such book has to be collated very carefully to make sure that no plates have been removed, even little Observers books are no longer safe!!

By: Carol Himmelman-Christopher

Carol Himmelman-Christopher — Wed, 04 May 2016 15:18:40 +0000

What a treasure!! Thank you so much.

By: Malcolm

Malcolm — Wed, 04 May 2016 11:58:44 +0000

Excellent stuff. These wonderful illustrations are like a window into the Georgian world that reveal so much more than a photograph can. Rowlandson’s mastery of the art of watercolour is outstanding. There was a fantastic exhibition of his comic work at the Queen’s gallery recently, along with a brilliant exhibition of Dutch art in the age of Vermeer. Many of the prints on show were collected by George IV, who was lambasted by Rowlandson on a regular basis. There’s a beautiful book available if anyone is interested. Hogarth was another great social commentator whose work is well worth seeking out. If you ever have the chance to visit Sir John Soane’s museum in Lincoln’s Inn Fields you can see the original “Rake’s Progress” and “An Election” paintings, among others.

By: Teresa Clark

Teresa Clark — Wed, 04 May 2016 11:46:47 +0000

Every day I look forward to receiving your email. The images are crystal clear. Thank you for presenting the plates in a way to magnify. If only I still lived in London – I would visit each treasure the day after you post!

By: Barbara

Barbara — Wed, 04 May 2016 08:06:07 +0000

Wonderful pictures bring it all to life. Extremes – the well off all dressed up, contrasting with the poor at Bridewell waiting to be sent to their own parish, so that they are not a burden where they have arrived.

By: John Barrett

John Barrett — Wed, 04 May 2016 07:21:44 +0000

I do like these ?etched plates they portray London life as it was in the early 19thC.
They are the equivalent of photos today. The detail and colour on the plates is incredible I did like the Pillory at Charing Cross it appears to be a ‘big show’ event. I expect lots of rotten things were thrown at the pilloried individuals. A very good piece of history shown here worth blogging; John

By: Caroline Bottomley

Caroline Bottomley — Wed, 04 May 2016 06:05:20 +0000

Delicious, worthy of much more attention.
I would buy that book.
Could you reprint GA?
Cx

By: rebecca lane

rebecca lane — Wed, 04 May 2016 05:22:22 +0000

Thank you for sharing such beautiful pictures – fascinating detail. With the current craze for adult colouring, someone should publish them as a book- I’d buy it !