Prisse d'Avennes, [Achille Constant Théodore] Emile and James Augustus St. John.

first edition, folio (556 x 387mm.), chromolithographed additional title, tinted lithographed portrait frontispiece and 30 tinted plates, illustrations in text, contemporary green half morocco, spine in compartments with raised bands gilt, gilt edges, somewhat spotted, waterstain in top margain extending into text and plates, lower joint splitting at foot, binding rather rubbed

James Davidson Esq., inscription dated 2nd July 1856

Atabey 1001 (coloured); Blackmer 1357 (coloured); Colas 2427; Lipperheide 1599

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."

The Oriental Album is one of the earliest publications by Prisse d'Avennes, a "fine artist and an outstandingly brilliant observer who recorded much that has since disappeared" (Blackmer). He excavated at Thebes from 1839 to 1843 with the botanist George Lloyd (1815-1843), to whom the work is dedicated and whose portrait forms the frontispiece. It was Lloyd who encouraged Prisse to begin the series of drawings which forms this work, but Lloyd accidentally shot himself so did not live to see its publication. The text is by James Augustus St. John who travelled extensively in Egypt and Nubia in 1832-33.