FERNELEY, John (1782-1860). Count Sandor’s Exploits in Leicestershire. London: R. Ackermann, 1 August 1833. Oblong 2° (360 x 414mm.). 9 (of 10) hand-coloured aquatint plates by Edward Duncan after Ferneley, tipped into an album, with tissue guards. (Plates laid down, some wear at hinges and foremargins, occasional spot to plates, lacks the final plate.) Quarter red morocco and brown buckram, blue morocco gilt title label on front cover, spine gilt lettered. A VERY RARE, HIGHLY RATED SERIES. Count Sandor was a visiting Hungarian nobleman whose season at Melton Mowbray was long remembered for its blend of the utterly fearless and unbelievably foolhardy. Far from objecting to being laughed at, the count commissioned ten oil paintings from Ferneley, the basis of the present series, and took them home to Hungary. The artist had moved to Melton in 1813, building first a studio in the town and then a substantial house that he called Elgin Lodge in praise of the Elgin marbles. From 1818 onwards he proudly signed his paintings ‘John Ferneley, Melton Mowbray’ and never lacked commissions. Siltzer 121.