Lot 230: COOPER WILLYAMS (1762-1816)

COOPER WILLYAMS (1762-1816) A Voyage up the Mediterranean in His Majesty's Ship the Swiftsure, one of the squadron under the command of Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson... with a description of the Battle of the Nile. London: T. Bensley for J. White, 1802. 2° (485 x 340mm). Engraved dedication, 2 tinted aquatint double-page maps, one double-page, and 40 plates by J.C.Stadler and others after Willyams and others. Original marbled boards, uncut (rebacked). Provenance: Emma, Lady Hamilton (1761?-1815, ink signature on front pastedown, dated 1804). FIRST EDITION, LARGE-PAPER COPY, WITH AN EVOCATIVE PROVENANCE. Nelson, in the Vanguard, arrived in Naples bay on 22nd September 1798 to a rapturous welcome from the inhabitants. Amongst the first to greet him were a party headed by Sir William and Lady Hamilton. The Hamiltons later gave a lavish ball on Nelson's birthday (29 September) in his honour. Nelson and Emma Hamilton's love affair had its beginnings during this visit. The work was apparently issued in folio and quarto in both hand-coloured and tinted form. Abbey Travel 196.