Bombastes Furioso: A Burlesque Tragic Opera.

London: Joseph Thomas, Finch Lane, Cornhill; and Simpkin and Marshall, Stationers' Court, 1837 First Edition Thus. (with the Cruikshank illustrations). Hard cover, 16 mo (4 x 6 3/8 inches), in three-quarter calf with tan cloth-covered boards, calf edges ruled in gilt; the spine in six raised compartments with elaborate gilt banding and foliate designs, the titles in very small gilt lettering thereon, 34 pp. Printed by J. Unwin, St. Peter's Alley, Cornhill. All edges gilt. Condition: Very Good Plus. Slight soiling to cloth, and old polish offset to the marbled paste downs. Corners slightly rubbed. Gently age toned text. Gilt still bright. This delightful gem is small but elegant, containing a play illustrated by six full page, and a number of smaller, engravings by the renowned English book illustrator George Cruikshank (1792-1878). First authorized printing in 1822, this title was extremely popular in the nineteenth century and was reprinted a number of times. This 1837 edition was the first to use the Cruikshank illustrations. Joseph Thomas was a stationer and news vendor in London's Cornhill; Simpkin and Marshall were publishers and book wholesalers during this period. The Introduction describes the career of the Author, W. B. Rhodes (1772-1826). After a stint working in an attorney's office, Rhodes was engaged as a teller at The Bank of England. During this period he wrote several humorous dramatic works, of which this was the most famous, and was first performed in London at the Haymarket on 7th August, 1810. (DNB) . Hard Cover. Near Fine. Illus. by George Cruikshank .