(BRIDGEMAN, Charles) RIGAUD, (Jacques).   STOWE GARDENS IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE,   Laid Out By Mr. Bridgeman, Delineated In A Large Plan, And Fifteen Perspective Views... Now Reprinted.     &nbspLondon: BW Publications,   1987.          Number 2 of 450 numbered copies. Charles Bridgeman was responsible for the design of the gardens at Stowe from 1714 to the mid-1730s, at which time they were regarded as the most celebrated in England. To record his accomplishments, Bridgeman hired Jacques Rigaud, a noted French artist, who came to England in 1733 and made drawings of the gardens. These were engraved by Rigaud and Bernard Baron, and published individually, in 1739, after Bridgeman's death. They were later assembled and published as a single volume in 1746. This handsome reprint reproduces the originals full-size. Added to this edition are full descriptive notes to each plate written by George B. Clarke. Clarke also adds to the text an interesting account of the original preparation and publication of these engravings, of which he states: "As a suite of views these engravings are the earliest and incomparably the finest of any garden in England, and they are not surpassed by contemporary collections made for the French royal gardens." The original edition is notoriously rare and costly.   Large folio (62 x 45 cm); (12) pp. + 15 plates (3 folding) and 1 folding plan.            Original quarter calf with marbled paper-covered boards; spine gilt lettered and deviced; in matching marbled paper-covered slipcase; light foxing to front and rear paste-downs, wrinkling to flyleaf, but otherwise excellent; slipcase a bit warped and separated about three inches along top edge; slipcase paper discolored in spots from damping, not affecting book itself. $1,650.00

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