Observations, Relative Chiefly to Picturesque Beauty, made in the Year 1772, on Several Parts of England; particularly the Mountains, and Lakes of Cumberland, and Westmoreland. Second Edition.

London: Printed for R. Blamire, 1788.. 2 vols. 8vo. (21.25 x 13.5 cm). pp.xxxi+[1, errata]+xvi+238; 268+xiv. Later quarter calf over marbled boards, spines with raised bands and gilt ruling, red morocco labels lettered in gilt. 30 plates comprising 24 sepia tinted aquatints, 3 coloured plans, and 3 uncoloured aquatinted plates. Old ownership inscription of Mary Broderick (?) to title-page of vol. 2. Marginal offsetting to half-title and title-page of vol. 2, occasional offsetting from plates, generally a very good set. Clergyman, schoolmaster and writer on aesthetics, William Gilpin (1724�1804) is best known for his works on the picturesque. In his Essay on Prints, published in 1768, he defined picturesque as 'a term expressive of that peculiar kind of beauty, which is agreeable in a picture'. First published in 1786, this two-volume work formed part of a successful series which recorded his reflections on the picturesque across British landscapes. It traces the journey he made in 1772, equipped with notebook and sketching materials, in the Lake District. Describing his route from southern England, noting highlights along the way, Volume 1 includes discussion of Furness, Windermere and Keswick. (Cf. Abbey Scenery, 183).