Illustration of books--Great Britain--18th century
"The emergence of this original sketchbook is a significant event for all who appreciate the superlative qualities of the wood engraver, Thomas Bewick, 1753-1828. It is now reproduced in fine facsimile, with detailed explanatory text by Nigel Tattersfield, the leading authority on Bewick's life and work and superbly designed by Iain Bain, doyen of Bewick studies. Remarkably, it appears that this is the only formal sketchbook Bewick ever employed - he was accustomed to using scraps of paper in his daily work. This volume contains memoranda and jottings relating to his journeys and expenses, preparatory drawings for the History of British Birds, thumbnail sketches of subjects which caught Bewick's eye and, perhaps most importantly, detailed drawings of farmyard animals. These were taken at the behest of 'agricultural gentlemen' - a commission which gave Bewick endless trouble. Eventually, these were used for the fourth edition of the Quadrupeds (1800). There are, in all, over forty images. The commentary, augmented with a map and an additional forty illustrations, makes full use of Bewick's own memoir, his correspondence and his many surviving workbooks, shedding light on the background to this unique document."--Publisher's website.