xiv, [2], xxv, 275, [6]; [4], 262, [6] pp. With 115 plates in all, including the 33 portraits of the "Founders" not issued in all copies, on mounted India paper. Of the 82 regular isssue plates, one is hand-colored portrait of Lord Grenville, 64 are hand-colored aquatint plates containing 67 views (6 of the plates have two views each), 17 are hand-colored engravings in line and stipple of the costume of the University; the 33 "Founder" plates are hand-colored engravings in line and stipple. (folio) 16¾x13, later ¾ gilt-ruled red levant morocco & cloth, spines elaborately tooled & lettered in gilt, raised bands, marbled endpapers, top edges gilt, others untrimmed; bound by Bayntun. First Edition, large paper issue.
Sumptuous large paper issue of Ackermann's paean to the most famous of all English universities, with the striking hand-colored plates on mounted India paper. Tooley notes that there were only 50 copies "on large and thick paper, 25 copies being issued uncolored, the plates on India paper, proof impressions... As in the Cambridge, large-paper copies are definitely superior in finish, owing to the extra care and fine paper on which they were pulled. Large-paper impressions of the Oxford plates have an incomparably beautiful sheen, a suffused rich glow and `bloom,' that is absent from ordinary copies. Large-paper copies have not so far been estimated at their just worth; only one copy on large paper was printed for 20 on small paper." The list of plates in the present copy is in the second state, having the "Founder" plates listed. Abbey, Scenery, No. 278; Tooley 5. With the bookplate of Thomas Fleming, Jr.
Condition:
A little scuffing to spine and corners, spine head of Vol. II torn; some fairly light foxing within (more so in Vol. II), mostly affecting the mounts, occasional marginal staining in Vol. II with mild soiling, overall in nearly fine condition, a remarkable work.