SINGER, Samuel Weller (1783-1853). Researches into the History of Playing Cards; with illustrations of the origin of printing and engraving on wood. London: T. Bensley for Robert Triphook, 1816.
4° (270 x 205mm). Half title. Engraved frontispiece, 18 engraved plates, of which 8 hand-coloured, illustrations. (Some plates lightly spotted.) Contemporary polished calf, sides with blind-tooled and gilt frame, marbled edges (scuffed, faint stain on lower board).
FIRST EDITION. 'A VALUABLE AND INTERESTING WORK' (Lowndes), which won high praise from Thomas Dibdin. One of only 250 copies printed. The numerous illustrations include handcoloured reproductions of a full deck of early German playing cards. Lowndes 2405.
SINGER, Samuel Weller (1783-1853). Researches into the History of Playing Cards; with illustrations of the origin of printing and engraving on wood. London: T. Bensley for Robert Triphook, 1816.
4° (270 x 205mm). Half title. Engraved frontispiece, 18 engraved plates, of which 8 hand-coloured, illustrations. (Some plates lightly spotted.) Contemporary polished calf, sides with blind-tooled and gilt frame, marbled edges (scuffed, faint stain on lower board).
FIRST EDITION. 'A VALUABLE AND INTERESTING WORK' (Lowndes), which won high praise from Thomas Dibdin. One of only 250 copies printed. The numerous illustrations include handcoloured reproductions of a full deck of early German playing cards. Lowndes 2405.
