Williams, William.

First edition, folio (508 x 335mm.), engraved throughout, 66 engraved plates, including pictorial title, dedication, list of subscribers, 63 double-page engraved views, maps and plans, one folding, contemporary red morocco gilt, the covers panelled with triple gilt fillet border surrounded by two wider foliate borders gilt with fleuron cornerpieces, gilt edges, some repaired tears, the folding plate laid down and repaired, binding scraped on lower cover and generally rubbed, spine faded

Alexander Hamilton, 10th Duke of Hamilton, Hamilton Palace Library, armorial bookplate, sale in these rooms, 9 May 1884, lot 2113, James Bain, London, £4 17s; 5th Earl of Rosebery, armorial bookplate, purchased from James Bain, £8 8s

BAL RIBA 3667

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 Hamilton Palace copy. The idea behind this work was to produce an updated version of David Loggan's Oxonia illustrata (1675, see lot 69), although it is unclear whether the impetus came from Oxford University or from the Welsh artist and engraver William Williams. The work seems to have been conceived in the early 1720s, with Williams starting work by 1726.