TELFORD, LIFE OF THOMAS TELFORD, EDITED BY JOHN RICKHAM, 1838, 4TO AND FOLIO (2 VOLUMES)

2 volumes, text 4to; atlas folio, 82 plates and maps, as issued, (numbered to 83 but no. 28 not present and not called for in index), some folding or double-page, both volumes half leather with spines titled in gilt, marbled edges, text with upper board and half-title detached, soiling and scuff marks to boards of both volumes,

Probably Sir John Smith

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Thomas Telford was one of the great civil engineers of the 19^th century, playing a major role in the development of cast iron for bridge construction and designing numerous infrastructure projects predominantly in Shropshire and his native Scotland. The plates found in the folio illustrate all of Telford’s major works including: the magnificent Menai Strait and Conway suspension bridges, the Caledonian and Gotha ship canals, the Birmingham and Liverpool Junction canal, and the Ellesmere Canal with its cast-iron aqueduct at Pont-y-cysyllte.