Marrin's Bookshop

Synopsis

By h. moses.

Item Description

Oblong 8vo. 5.5 x 8.75 inches. Half-bound in original black morocco over marbled boards with black morocco title label, gilt, on front board. Extremities worn and some foxing largely confined to plate margins or backs; otherwise a very good copy. Illustrated by 25 etchings by Moses with captions. Additionally this album is accompanied by an original sepia ink drawing by Moses, the original of 'Rocks near Sandgate' (first view, 2.5 x 4.75 inches), which appears in the album. The drawing amply demonstrate Moses' mastery of the depiction of coastal scenes and adds to the impact of the album. It is mounted on off-white card. The Marine Sketch Book depicts scenes from Limehouse, the Medway, Ramsgate (3), Dover, the Downs, the Dutch coast, Sandgate, Cowes, Portsmouth (7) and Southsea, including numerous Men o' War, and, at Cowes, a paddle steamer. An original drawing of one of the views of Rocks near Sandgate is included for comparison with the etching. Henry Moses (c.1782-1870) was highly regarded as a draughtsman and engraver and was well known for his several series of views of shipping, and coastal views. He used his skills as an engraver to great effect in capturing buildings and human activities in his sketches with faultless perspective and his accurately drawn views that record, in almost photographic detail, life before the widespread Picturesque Views of Ramsgate (1817) which include busily populated images of ships and the town and harbour.