Publisher Description

The names of Thomas Bewick (1753-1828) and his brother John (1760-1795) are synonymous with beautiful, delicate and accurate woodcuts of the natural world. Their instantly recognisable style was to influence book illustration well into the nineteenth century. The antiquary and print collector Thomas Hugo (1820-76), best known as a collector of Bewick woodcuts, first published this two-volume catalogue of his extensive collection in 1866-8. It has since emerged that many of the items sourced from printers' offices and booksellers across the country - including Thomas Bewick's own publisher, Emerson Charnley - cannot be authenticated as the Bewicks' work. The collection was nonetheless a remarkable assemblage of valuable materials, including uncut first editions, woodblocks, handbills and broadsides (all regrettably dispersed after Hugo's death) which might otherwise have been lost. Lavishly illustrated throughout, Volume 1 comprises the catalogue, which includes an appendix of Bewick portraits, letters and memorabilia.

Table of Contents

Preface; List of cuts in the volume; Books and pamphlets; Proofs, etc., of the cuts in the History of Quadrupeds; Proofs, etc., of the cuts in the History of British Birds; Proofs, etc., of the cuts in Aesop's Fables; Proofs, etc., of the cuts in miscellaneous books and pamphlets; Prospectuses, proofs, etc., of the cuts for the intended History of British Fishes; Book-plates, etc.; Cuts for societies, companies, clubs, etc.; Cuts for exhibitions, etc.; Racing cuts; Shop cards; Invoice heads; Tradesmen's newspaper cuts; Bar bills; Coal certificate; Plans; The Royal Arms; Arms of Newcastle; Newspaper cuts; Broadsides, carols, etc.; The Chillingham Wild Bull; Bewick's lithograph; Miscellaneous cuts; Waiting for death; Drawings; Wood blocks; Additions; Appendix; Index to books and pamphlets.

Promotional "Headline"

A two-volume catalogue (1866-8) of influential wood engravings attributed to Thomas Bewick and his younger brother John.

Description for Bookstore

The print collector Thomas Hugo (1820-76) published this two-volume catalogue of his extensive collection of woodcuts and blocks purported to be by Thomas and John Bewick in 1866-8. While many of the items are not the Bewicks' work, it is nonetheless a remarkable assemblage of valuable material.

Description for Library

The print collector Thomas Hugo (1820-76) published this two-volume catalogue of his extensive collection of woodcuts and blocks purported to be by Thomas and John Bewick in 1866-8. While many of the items are not the Bewicks' work, it is nonetheless a remarkable assemblage of valuable material.

Details