STOW, John (1525-1605), SEYMOUR, Robert [dates unknown] & J. MARCHANT [dates unknown]. The History and Survey of the Cities of London and Westminster, Borough of Southwark, and Parts Adjacent ... Being an Improvement of Mr Stow's, and other Historical Writers, and Surveys. To which will be added, A New History of the County of Middlesex. London: "Printed for M. Cooper ... and C. Simpson," 1754. 2 volumes, folio (382 x 240mm). Titles printed in red and black, 82 engraved plates and plans ([?]only), all FINELY COLOURED BY HAND, of which 20 folding, engraved illustrations in the text, text printed in double column, initials (variable spotting, staining and browning). Modern full burgundy morocco, spines gilt. With William Maitland's The History of London (London, 1739, folio, engraved plates [uncoloured], many lacking, modern old-style panelled calf gilt. Provenance: From the Collection of the late Seymour Stein (1942-2023). The colouring in the first 2-volume work is fine, and appears to be quite early. We have been unable to locate a detailed collation for this apparently uncommon edition (the British Library does not seem to hold a copy), but the title page calls for "... upwards of an hundred Copper-Plates, by the most eminent Masters," so we can assume that some are lacking. The William Maitland History is also incomplete. For this reason, regrettably, this lot is sold as a collection of plates, not subject to return. (3)
