Real Life In London, or the Rambles and Adventures of Bob Tallyho.

Real Life In London, or the Rambles and Adventures of Bob Tallyho.

London:

Jones and Co.,

1821

Here, Colchester’s interest drifts closer to home, with a rousing literary exploration of London. Published in blue morroco, this is one volume of a two-volume set bound later and signed on the binding edge by notable binder Robert Riviere. Contrary to Colchester’s status, this text explored the intrigue of street life—drunks, squabbles, and rabblerousing. It is curious to wonder what his fascination may have been—or what escapes from the doldrums of aristocratic and political life—that this amusing volume may have entertained for Colchester. Containing numerous hand-colored illustrations by Alken, Dighton, Brooke, Rowlandson, and others. Often viewed as an imitation of Egan’s Life in London, the text is complicated for the bibliographer given the myriad variants which touch upon differences in plates and the placement of the plates within the text.

From the Collection of Brendan Clark