Davenport, W., illus. (active circa 1823) Historical Portraiture of the Leading Events in the Life of Ali Pacha.
London: Thomas McLean, 1823.
First and only edition, folio; with half-title and 1 page of ads; illustrated with 6 vibrant, hand-colored aquatint plates by G. Hunt after original drawings by Davenport; bound in the scarce original pink cloth with the printed label including, "Price Two Guineas" on front board (light offsetting from plates to opposite text leaves, occasional minor stains; hinges reinforced, cloth somewhat soiled with stains to lower board, some fraying at spine ends); 14 3/8 x 10 1/2 in.
A dramatized depiction of the major events in the life of Ali Pasha of Ioannina (1740-1822), Ottoman Albanian ruler and one of the most powerful leaders of the Empire. Ali Pasha ruled a geographically expansive Albania that included large parts of mainland Greece. His long controversial rule ended in rebellion and a loss of power that saw him shot and beheaded in 1822 at the age of 82.
