History of Newcastle by John Brand 1789 - first edition, complete in two volumes - Vol I, pp xvi, 676, [4]; Vol II, pp [ii], 723, [9]. Has with two engraved titles, two frontispieces and 31 copper plates, some folding and including a large folding map. A handsomely bound, first edition copy of John Brand's extensively illustrated late eighteenth-century history of Newcastle, in two volumes - including an account of the coal trade, the local topography, a lengthy history from Roman times, and more. Beautifully embellished throughout with engravings by James Fittler, the personal marine engraver to King George III. These engravings cost £500 to produce, a remarkable sum for the time. One plate is not bound in, but another not called for is bound in. Each volume in original leather board binding with fine tooled and ribbed spine, sizes 9.5" x 12.25" and 2.25" thick (2)