Thomas Rowlandson (1756-1827) Combe (William). The Tour of Doctor Syntax, in Search of the Picturesque. A Poem. London, R. Ackermann, 1813. 3rd edition. One vol. in-8 decorated with a frontispiece, a title decorated with architectural elements forming the three letters of "Pic" [turesque] and 30 engravings. Etching and aquatint with watercolor highlights. Restored losses in the lower left corner and in the upper margin of the frontispiece. Light foxing and small stains. Bound in half morocco with corners (late 19th c.), gilt fillets, ornate spine. The Tour of Dr. Syntax in Search of the Picturesque is a humorous account in verse of the adventures of a clergyman and rural schoolmaster who tries to make a fortune by going in search of the picturesque of his country, to make a book of it, according to the fashion of the time. First published in 1809 as a pamphlet in Rudolph Ackermann's Poetical Magazine under the title "The Schoolmaster's Tour," the text was published in book form in 1812 due to its popular success and went through many reprints. Combe wrote the text to put into words the images engraved by Rowlandson - not the other way around.