BIRCH (Thomas). Lot n° 49

The Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain. London, John & Paul Knapton, 1743-1751. 2 volumes in one large folio, red chagrin, gilt and cold fillet, spine decorated, inner lace, gilt edges (19th century binding). First edition. This monumental work is illustrated with 108 superb hors texte portraits engraved on copper by Jacob Houbraken and George Vertue and a title vignette by Gravelot. These portraits represent Geoffrey Chaucer, John Milton, William Shakespeare, Thomas Cromwell, William Harvey, Isaac Newton, Alexander Pope, Francis Drake, Walter Raleigh, etc. The biographical notes are the work of Thomas Birch (1705-1766), one of the first curators of the British Museum. A very fine copy with wide margins and an excellent edition. Some scattered foxing and browning, fine wetness in the inner margin.