1810 The Covent Garden Journal by Henry Fielding Stockdale Edition 3 of 4 Plates For Sale

Offered here is a scarce 1810 edition of The Covent Garden Journal, originally founded by Henry Fielding in 1752. This is the first collected edition, published in London by J.J. Stockdale, Pall Mall. A highly important volume in the history of English journalism, satire, and theatre criticism.

• Publisher: J.J. Stockdale, London, 1810

• Pages: 816

• Binding: Later green cloth hardcover with gilt lettering on the spine

• Illustrations: 3 of the 4 original plates present (Grand Staircase, Saloon to the Private Boxes, Interior of the Theatre). The frontispiece “Exterior View of the Theatre” is absent.

• Condition: Solid binding, clean text . There are numbers written in pencil on the sheet after the title page.  These may be library markings, but I haven't seen any other markings to indicate an ex-libris.  Plates clear and well-impressed. Some expected age toning to paper. Overall, a handsome and highly readable copy despite the missing frontispiece.

This edition preserves Fielding’s lively satirical journal in book form, giving voice to the spirited debates of 18th-century London society and theatre. Complete sets with all four plates are uncommon; this copy offers an excellent opportunity to own a substantial and significant work at a more affordable level. A2.