Spratt, Thomas Abel Bremage.

first edition, 2 volumes, 8vo (222 x 140mm.), 14 tinted lithographed plates after Spratt, one folding, 2 plates showing inscriptions and one showing coins, 2 hand-coloured folding geological maps of Crete, numerous lithographed illustrations in the text on india paper, some full-page, wood-engraved illustrations, advertisement leaf at beginning of volume 1 and end of volume 2, original cloth gilt,  folding frontispiece plate and title in volume 1 with slight tears, repaired marginal tear, rebacked retaining original spines, edges rather rubbed

Royal Institution of Great Britain, small blind stamp on each title; Sir Michael and Lady Stewart, a present from the Hellenic-British League, January 1971, printed card of presentation pasted on preliminary blank of each volume

Blackmer 1590; Contominas 687 ("[an] important work"); Weber I, 641

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, 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."

Spratt's observations were made whilst directing a geological survey of the eastern Mediterranean between 1851 and 1860. He explored the islands widely, visiting Knossus, Lyttus, Lycastus, the Mirabella district, Olus, Gortyna, Axo and Eleutherna amongst other places. The appendices are devoted to marine data, geology, ornithology, shells, Greek inscriptions and a vocabulary of Cretan and modern Greek.