THE SCENERY AND ANTIQUITIES OF IRELAND, Illustrated from Drawings by W. H. Bartlett; The Literary Portion of the Work by J. Stirling Coyne, Esq.

London: George Virtue, [1841]. 2 volumes. Beautifully illustrated with a full page engraved map and 122 plates including the two pictorially engraved title-pages, all by W.H. Bartlett, complete as called for. Quarto, publisher's original Irish green cloth, the spines gilt decorated with gilt lettering and elaborate pictorial Irish motifs, the covers with all over designs stamped in blind and with a central gilt pictorial ornament surrounded by vines and flowers gilt, all edges gilt, one of the most preferred of the bindings used by the publisher's to present this fine work. [vi], 179,[4 ads.]; [iv[, 186 pp. A really pleasing copy of this fine work, both volumes beautifully preserved and in essentially fine condition, the light wear or evidence of age comes primarily from shelving, the plates and text-blocks are in fresh and clean condition with only very occasional evidence of the usual spotting to which the paper is prone. As usual, the engraved titles with a bit more of the spotting. Generally, a very clean and handsome set in unusually nice condition. AN ESPECIALLY BEAUTIFUL WORK FILLED WITH PICTURESQUE STEEL ENGRAVED SCENES OF IRELAND. William Bartlett traveled extensively throughout Europe and the East with his good friend Dr. Beattie, and brought home over a thousand drawings. Eventually they were engraved and published into volumes with descriptive text. Here we find one of one of Bartlett's best works, partly attributable to the magnificent scenery of the country described. Each engraving combines attention to detail, subtle use of lighting and shade, and romantic portrayal of the landscape. Scenes are rendered from virtually every corner of the country and include both natural and architectural compositions.
The text focuses heavily on the history of each locale but also includes local customs, sights, and first hand travel impressions. A somewhat elusive title in the Bartlett oeuvre, these illustrations of Ireland are typical of his best and most famous work.