![BICKHAM, George, the Younger (d. 1758). The Musical Entertainer. London: Charles Corbett, [1737-1739 or later].](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2013/NYR/2013_NYR_02800_0400_000(bickham_george_the_younger_the_musical_entertainer_london_charles_corb062836).jpg?w=1)
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BICKHAM, George, the Younger (d. 1758). The Musical Entertainer. London: Charles Corbett, [1737-1739 or later].
2 volumes, 2o (377 x 233 mm). Engraved throughout, with title and contents leaf to each volume, and 200 plates, numbered 1-100 in each volume. (Some occasional light browning, a few creases.) Contemporary half calf (rebacked, corners repaired). Provenance: George Penfold (signature on pastedown); acquired from Marlborough Rare Books, 1982.
FIRST EDITION. Bickham was principally known for this engraved work, first issued in fortnightly parts, each with four plates, between January 1737 and December 1739. A second edition was also brought out in parts 1740-41, and a third, printed from the original plates, was issued by John Ryall in 1765. The 200 plates are songs by Purcell, Handel, Haydn, Corelli, Pepusch and others, each headed with an engraved vignette, and quite apart from their musical interest they provide fascinating insight into the social life of the time. Eight of the designs are after Gravelot, and in Ray's opinion many others were imitated from Watteau's Oeuvre, leading him to say the song book "may almost be regarded as French." Cohen-de Ricci: "recueil fort rare;" Grove II, p. 694; Ray French 12. (2)
2 volumes, 2o (377 x 233 mm). Engraved throughout, with title and contents leaf to each volume, and 200 plates, numbered 1-100 in each volume. (Some occasional light browning, a few creases.) Contemporary half calf (rebacked, corners repaired). Provenance: George Penfold (signature on pastedown); acquired from Marlborough Rare Books, 1982.
FIRST EDITION. Bickham was principally known for this engraved work, first issued in fortnightly parts, each with four plates, between January 1737 and December 1739. A second edition was also brought out in parts 1740-41, and a third, printed from the original plates, was issued by John Ryall in 1765. The 200 plates are songs by Purcell, Handel, Haydn, Corelli, Pepusch and others, each headed with an engraved vignette, and quite apart from their musical interest they provide fascinating insight into the social life of the time. Eight of the designs are after Gravelot, and in Ray's opinion many others were imitated from Watteau's Oeuvre, leading him to say the song book "may almost be regarded as French." Cohen-de Ricci: "recueil fort rare;" Grove II, p. 694; Ray French 12. (2)