Comic History of Rome …. Illustrated by John Leech

"The Comic History of Rome: From the Founding of the City to the End of the Commonwealth" by Gilbert Abbott à Beckett, illustrated by John Leech, published circa 1852 in London by Bradbury, Evans, and Co.

This entertaining Victorian work presents a humorous retelling of Roman history, tracing Rome from its legendary foundation through the end of the Commonwealth. The text is accompanied by the distinctive comic illustrations of John Leech, combining classical history with 19th-century British humor and satire.

8vo. (5.5" x 8.75"). Handsomely bound in three-quarter tan calf, with marbled boards, marbled endpapers, and marbled edges. The boards have faded in color. The spine features five compartments with very heavy gilt decoration and a single leather panel.

Condition: Corners are rubbed and torn, with rubbing along the spine hinges. The crown and foot of the spine are chipped. The upper quarter of the front board is disconnected from the spine, and the board hinges are loose. The first free endpaper has rubbed spots, while the first title page bears markings from a previous owner.

An appealing early Victorian illustrated volume for collectors of Roman history, comic literature, John Leech, Victorian satire, and antique illustrated books.