London in the Eighteenth Century

London: Adam & Charles Black, 1903. First edition. Cloth. Good. 11.5" by 9.5". Not Stated. A sweeping social history of London in the eighteenth century, the magnum opus of the historian Sir Walter Besant. The first edition of this work in the publisher's original cloth binding, with gilt detailing to the spine. Illustrated with twenty-two plates, numerous in-text illustrations and a folding map to the rear. Collated, complete. Sir Walter Besant (1836-1901) was an English novelist and historian. In this work, he provides a comprehensive social history of London in the eighteenth century, including traditions and customs, society and amusements, and crime and justice. Besant had plans to write about the history of London through multiple centuries, but passed away before their completion. This work is one of his most complete and engaging pieces on that subject. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Externally sound, though bumped to the extremities with shelf wear to the head and tail of the spine, with a small tear to the cloth to the head of the spine. Spine is slightly faded. Front hinge is tender but held by two cords. Rear hinge is starting. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright with the odd spot, more so to the first and last couple of pages. Good