Vagabondiana or Anecdotes of Mendicant Wanderers through the Streets of London

London: J and A March; Cornhill; Hatchard et al , 1817. First edition. Leather. Very Good. 14" by 11.5". John Thomas Smith. The scarce first edition of John Thomas Smith's illustrations of the London streets in the nineteenth century. Extra-illustrated with 56 etched plates. With an introduction by Francis Douce, who worked for the British Museum alongside Smith. This copy contains the half-title, an additional etched title with contemporary hand-colouring, letterpress title in red & black within diamond ruled lozenge, 56 etched plates, as well as several in-text illustrations. Smith produced many noted images of London for other works such as Thomas Pennant's 'Some Account of London'. He also brought out his own series of etchings and aquatints titled 'Antiquities of London'. This work depicts the working-class and poor of London. To the preface, Smith notes that the work is 'far from being offered as a general view of that peculiar branch of pauperism, which includes the many wandering classes of mankind that are supported by the casual and irregular bounty of others.' Smith lso notes 'The Beggar's calling, if not one of the most respectable, may doubtless be regarded as one of the most ancient. In every part of the globe where many is congregated, the inequality of his condition, the too frequent indolence of his habits, or the shifts to which human misery is occasionally reduced, will compel him to depend for his support on the generosity of his fellow creatures.'  Each etching is accompanied by either a description or poem explaining the individual. In a contemporary half calf binding, with paper covered boards. Externally, rubbed to the joints and extremities. Joints are starting, with the hinges slightly strained but firm. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright. Occasional light scattered spots to pages. Very Good