An excellent example of the ‘New British Traveller’, a book in five parts. It was the work of a ‘Society of Gentleman’ who assisted George Walpoole in its writing. However, there is some doubt as to the genuine identity of some of the contributors. Often seen including a series of county maps, here is an example with just the topographical plates. Hodson in his detailed study states that this work is unstable in content as various leaves were altered or updated. Here the frontispiece is still dated 1784, but the title page has been reset. The general map of England and Wales is still in its first state Not noted by him is the curiously misspelt revised imprint with ‘LONDN’ and the reference to the Kings Arms removed. This example pre-dates the Dalton edition of 1794.

An interesting note on the title page indicates that Mr. Gage acquired the book at Mr. Lackington’s shop. James Lackington (1746-1815) is an interesting character. He came from Somerset, left home at ten and worked initially as a meat pie seller. He was apprenticed to a shoemaker in Taunton and on the side bought and sold books. He was freed in 1767 and moved to Bristol where he continued in both trades. Although at this time he was still unable to read and write he composed several songs and ballads. He moved to London and with a legacy of £10 from his recently deceased grandfather, he opened his first bookshop in 1774 at 46 Chiswell Street, Moorfields, London. In 1793 he brought in Robert Allen as a partner (ODNB states Robin Allen) and renamed it Lackington, Allen & Co. In 1794 the company moved to larger premises at the ‘Temple of the Muses’, Finsbury Square. The building had some notoriety, it was 140 feet wide, with a large dome above it. The large circular counter was in such a spacious room that shortly after opening a coach and four horses was driven around it. It was from here that this book was acquired.

The ‘Repository of Arts’ claimed in 1809 that a million books were on display. We do know from his accounts that he sold over 100,000 books a year. The flag was flown when James Lackington was in residence (British Library). A measure of his vanity may also be seen in the preface to his memoirs ‘that my performance possessed so much intrinsic merit, as would occasion it to be universally admired by all good judges, as a prodigious effort of human genius’. James Lackington retired in 1798 and was replaced by George Lackington (1768-1844), his third cousin. George is reported to have started in the business aged 13. It is believed his father bought him a share of the business. Provenance: Contemporary inscription on the title page ‘Mr. Gage’s Book, got from Mr. Lackington, London, April 2nd 1803’; with bookplate of Marcus Gage passed inside front cover; acquired January 1983 for a private English collection. Refer Adams (1983) 62; British Book Trade Index; refer Chubb (1927) 251, refer Hodson (1984-97) 269; ODNB.