Robinson Crusoe Book Engravings (1809)

Updated August 7, 2026

Lot number	140
Estimate	200.00 - 300.00 CAD
Category	Fine Art & Prints
Auction	Art Auction Tuesday August 11th
Date	August 11, 2026 at 6:59 PM EDT
Auction house	Erin Auctions
Location	Erin, ON

Title: Pair of Robinson Crusoe Illustrations Publication: The Life and Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, Vol. II Artists: After M. Brown (Vol. II, p.140) and Metz (Vol. II, p.114) Engraver: R. Pollard (sc.) Publisher: Vernor, Hood & Sharpe, Poultry, London Date: 1809 Medium: Two original engraved book plates on laid paper, framed together. Sight Size (each): 6.5 × 4 in. Frame Size: 9.5 × 13.5 in. An attractive pair of original Georgian engraved book illustrations from the 1809 London edition of Daniel Defoe's The Life and Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. The engravings are taken from Volume II and retain their original publication imprint, reading "London: Published by Vernor, Hood & Sharpe, Poultry, 1809." The left engraving, after M. Brown and engraved by R. Pollard, illustrates an episode from page 140, while the right engraving, after Metz and likewise engraved by R. Pollard, depicts the scene accompanying page 114. The reverse of the frame includes the original title page from the same edition, providing an appealing historical connection to the source volume. Early nineteenth-century book engravings from celebrated literary works remain popular with collectors of English literature, antique prints, and Georgian decorative art. Professionally presented as a matched pair, these engravings display well and offer an affordable example of Regency-period illustration and printmaking.

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