ROBERTS David - Lot 68

ROBERTS David The Holy Land. Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt and Nubia. London, F. G. Moon, 1842-1843. 3 volumes in 2 large folio volumes (630 mm x 460 mm approx.), black half-chagrin, ornate spines. First edition of this magnificent work on the Holy Land and the Near East, "the apotheosis of tinted lithography". The first part, devoted to the Holy Land and Syria, was published in twenty issues. Three further volumes on the other regions mentioned in the title appeared between 1846 and 1849. The explanatory text is by the Reverend George Croly. Volume 1: Portrait-frontispiece of the author by Charles Baugniet, engraved title, [5] ff. including list of subscribers, 30 pp. 30 full-page lithographs and 30 half-page lithographs with explanatory text separated by blank leaves. Volume 2: Engraved title, 30 full-page lithographs and 30 half-page lithographs with explanatory text separated by blank leaves. Splendidly illustrated with an engraved frontispiece portrait, two engraved titles and 120 plates, including 60 full-page and 60 half-page lithographs in two tones by Louis Haghe after drawings by David Roberts. According to Abbey, this edition contains only two title pages, and the 120 lithographs are in a different order from the other editions. Some foxing, mainly marginal, and a few yellowed leaves. Epidermal damage to binding, in the original condition.