New System, or, An Analysis of Ancient Mythology by Jacob Bryant
Publication: 1775 T. Payne; London Second Edition
An attractive set, beautifully decorated gilt to spine labels, gilt decorated rules to boards, all illustrations are present, including the fold out maps which are often missing in these editions. Jacob Bryant (1715-1804) is primarily known for this work which attempts to link the biblical book of Genesis to world. mythologies. This important publication has been credit with influencing the work of William Blake who was an apprentice of the books engraver James Basire. Blake apprenticed with Basire from 1771-1778 and some have suggested his early work is present in this volume.
Per Peter Harrington (ABAA) "The many plates appearing in Bryant's Mythology were prepared and signed by James Basire, a well-known London engraver, to whom Blake was apprenticed from 1771 to 1778. It is possible that several of the plates in Bryant's Mythology were Blake's work, and the final, unsigned one (on the last page of volume three) almost certainly is."
Condition: Brown calf boards, gilt decorated spine labels, gilt decorated rules to boards, binding is tight, all pages are clean, complete, overall Very Good