A History of The University of Oxford, its Colleges, Halls and Public Buildings (2 Vols. Published 1814)

Strand: L. Harrison and J. C. Leigh for R. Ackermann, 1814

Large 4tos, Vol. 1: xvi + xxv + 275pp. Vol. 2: 262pp. Full-leather hardcover bindings. All edges gilt. Steel engraved portrait of the Chancellor, Lord Grenville, various hand-coloured aquatints engraved by Bluck, Hill, Stadler and others after Pugin, Mackenzie, Westall, et al, and 17 coloured line and steel engraved costume plates of university figures in their academic garb by Aagar after Uwins. Collated and complete.

Rudolph Ackermann (1764-1834) was an Anglo-German bookseller, inventor, lithographer, publisher and businessman. Between 1797 and 1800 Ackermann rapidly developed his print and book publishing business bringing together wide variety of talented artists and printmakers.

An inventor and innovator, he was important as a carriage designer and patented the Ackermann steering geometry. In 1801 he patented a method for rendering paper and cloth waterproof and erected a factory in Chelsea to make it. He was one of the first to illuminate his own premises with gas.

As one of the pioneers of modern publishing methods, Ackermann developed an international distribution network for his publications and came to have significant commercial interests in South America. The business he founded in London flourished throughout the 19th century under the management of his descendants. (wikipedia.com)

Condition: Fair-good. The bindings are in a poor state, with the boards starting to coming loose. Significant wear, scuffing and chipping to the boards and spines. Repairs made to gutters between endpapers and pastedowns to both volumes. Previous owner’s signature and creasing to front endpaper of vol. 1. The pages facing the plates all have offsetting. Minor stains to top corners of last page and rear endpaper of vol. 1. Previous owner’s signatures to full title pages of both volumes. Textblock in vol. 2 has split into three parts. Minor creasing to top corners of last few pages of vol. 2, and crease and small stain to its rear flyleaf, slight staining to rear endpaper. Ideally both volumes will need to be rebound. Please also see photos. Plates are clean and bright, and text is clean.