Wilkins, William.

first edition, 8vo (225 x 140mm.), folding engraved plan of Athens, double-page plate, final blank, early twentieth-century red half morocco gilt over marbled boards, top edge gilt, others uncut, plates rather spotted, extremities rubbed

Blackmer 1798; Contominas 794

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."

This was originally intended as part of Walpole's Memoirs (see lot 218) and a supplement to the work of Stuart, but was published separately owing to its length and a delay caused by Wilkins' cautionary comments on the Elgin Marbles (he disagreed on the value of them and did not believe that the British government should purchase them). Wilkins spent 1802 in Athens and became the foremost of the Greek revivalist architects. He was one of the first professional architects to be appointed to the Society of Dilettanti and his edition of Vitruvius is highly regarded.