Roberts, David

6 volumes, folio (24 x 17 1/4 in.; 610 x 438 mm). Lithographed portrait of Roberts, 2 maps, 6 pictorial titles, 121 full-page plates, 120 text illustrations, all tinted lithographs by Louis Haghe after David Roberts, each with paper guards; "St. Jean d'Acre" plate (vol 2) shorter at bottom and fore-edge, light dampstain in lower gutter margin of vols 1 & 6, occasional marginal soiling, but the set is unusually clean and free of spotting.  Contemporary three-quarter dark-blue morocco gilt-ruled over purple watered cloth, top edges gilt; corners, edges and joints worn, covers with occasional patches of sun-fading, a few scrapes, scuff marks and mends.

Sion College Library (stamp and withdrawl stamp on verso of frontispiece or title); Acquired in 1959 from Francis Edwards

Abbey, Travel 272 & 385

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition of this monumental representation of the sites of the Near East which was an immediate success on publication. Never before had the ancient sites of Baalbec, Petra, Egypt, and the Holy Land been portrayed with such splendor or on such a scale. Roberts' meticulous draughtsmanship and Haghe's skillful and delicate lithography combined to make the work "the apotheosis of the tinted lithograph" (Abbey).