[Satire] Westmacott, C. ('Bernard Blackmantle') & R. Cruikshank (ills.). The English Spy

An Original Work, Characteristic, Satirical, and Humorous. Comprising Scenes and Sketches in Every Rank of Society, Being Portraits of the Illustrious, Eminent, Eccentric, and Notorious. Drawn from the Life by Bernard Blackmantle. The Illustrations designed by Robert Cruikshank. London, Sherwood etc., 1825. 1st ed. Vol 1 only. xxiii,(2),417 p. Handcol. aquatint frontisp., 34 handcol. aquatint plates, 1 full-p. b/w plate. Hleather w. marbled paper boards (sl. worn), gilt title on spine. Large 8vo.

Endpapers renewed, occas. foxing/ browning. Originally published in 24 monthly parts, The English Spy is described by Prideaux as "perhaps the most daring book ever published", as many of the characters were drawn from life, including Lord Byron, Beau Brummell, Pierce Egan, Henry Brougham and the Duke of Wellington, who were instantly recognizable to its early readers.