OAKELEY, Richard Banner (mid 19th century). The Pagoda of Hallibeed, illustrated by Fifty-Six Photog

OAKELEY, Richard Banner (mid 19th century). The Pagoda of Hallibeed, illustrated by Fifty-Six Photographic Views. London: Thomas M'Lean, 1859. Authorial presentation copy, one of only twenty-fve copies of this very scarce photographically illustrated book. Oakley worked with waxed paper negatives in order to produce this magnifcent book of albumen prints. The present copy bears the author's presentation inscription 'to his sincere friend', Matthew Holbeche Bloxham, Old Rugbeian, antiquarian, collector and philanthropist. Gernsheim 104. Folio (492 x 310 mm). Letterpress title, 2pp. Introduction, and descriptions of plates; errata slip tipped to verso of Introduction. 56 albumen photographs (each approximately 255/280 x 205 mm), each mounted on card, on guards (scattered spotting to mounts and text leaves, more heavily afecting the plates at beginning and end, a few plates and text leaves with minor marginal staining). Contemporary half morocco, title gilt-lettered on morocco label on front board, edges gilt (rubbed and scufed). Provenance: authorial presentation inscription on title, to: – M.H. Bloxham, F.S.A. (bookplate; donated to:) – Rugby School (bookplate).