A fine engraving of the well-known bookseller John Nicholson of Cambridge. In 1752 he married the daughter of the Robert Watts who operated the first circulating library in Cambridge. His nickname seen in the title was ‘Maps’ which apparently derives from him being a ghost writer for idle undergraduates. One of the finest bibliopolistic images, the definition of which is a bookdealer, especially one dealing in rare or used books. The original oil painting by Phillip Reinagle hangs in the University Library at Cambridge. The print is engraved by Joshua Kirby Baldrey (fl.1784-1815) who worked as a drawing master at Cambridge. He is depicted carrying a pile of books knocking at the door of a regular customer. The engraving is found in two states, the most obvious difference in the first is the presence of the ‘Price 2:6.’ lower right. Refer Blackburn collection lots 53 & 54; Mackenzie (1998) ‘British Prints’; Slater (1912); Worms & Baynton-Williams (2011).