Coste, Pascal.

first edition, folio (570 x 417mm.), half-title and title printed in red and black, 56 plates by Muguet, Hymaly, Sauvageot, Bachelier and others after Coste, numbered I-LXXI, 7 double-page, 8 chromolithographed, illustrations in text, contemporary red morocco-backed cloth boards, spine in compartments with raised bands gilt, upper cover lettered in gilt, some spotting, joints rather rubbed, lower part of upper joint split, corners slightly rubbed

Wilson p.49; Ghani p.630; Diba p.141

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."

''probably the single most attractive book on persia and one of the rarest'' (Ghani). Coste (1787-1879) was appointed architect to Mehmet Ali in 1818. He spent 10 years in Egypt, completing, among other projects, the reconstruction of the defences at Abukir. His work Architecture arabe was a result of his time in Egypt. The present work, together with Voyage en Perse (1842) and Monuments anciens de la Perse (1844), grew out of the French diplomatic mission to Persia in 1839-1841, on which he was accompanied by Biberstein Kazimirski.