Scrofani, Saviero.

First French edition, 3 volumes bound in 2, 8vo (203 x 120mm.), half-titles, folding engraved map, 11 folding printed tables (see footnote), some with printed overslips, modern morocco-backed boards, spines gilt with owner's name at foot, [Atabey 1115; Blackmer 1517; Weber II 634], some overslips detached

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."

"A very important work" (Blackmer). Scrofani was an economist and agriculturist sent by the Venetian government to the Ionian Islands to assess the state of the economy there and in the Morea and southern Roumeli. The first two volumes deal with topography and archaeology, the third agriculture and commerce. The tables show import and export statistics for Corfu, Prevesa, Parga, Cephalonia and Morea.

The work is rare. Only 3 copies of this work are recorded at auction by ABPC in the last 35 years. This copy contains 11 tables, as in the Blackmer and the Panos Gratsos copies, numbered 1-10 (some with the suffix "a") and 10b. The Atabey copy however contained an additional 4 tables, again numbered 1-10 but with the suffixes a, b, or c. It is possible that the Atabey copy represents a later state of the work. Clearly the work was updated during printing as a number of the tables have printed overslips (some of which have become detached in this copy).