Hamilton, William

Campi Phlegraei. Observations on the Volcanos of the two Sicilies as they have been communicated to the Royal Society of London ... Observations sur les volcans des Deux Siciles ... [with:] Supplement to the Campi Phlegraei being an account of the great eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the month of August 1779 ... Supplement au Campi Phlegraei ... Naples: [for Pietro Fabris], 1776-1779



2 parts in one volume, folio (17 3/4 x 13 in.; 450 x 330 mm), parallel text in English and French, 59 hand-colored engraved plates with tissue guards, the illustrations framed in black with a grey wash over the borders, double-page hand-colored engraved map; some light marginal spotting in text leaves, a few marginal stains and soiling on edges of plates. Contemporary scarlet straight-grain morocco gilt in a panel design, elaborate gilt clover & arrow roll-tool in outer frame with purple accents in some tools and ropework bands, a dense field of tiny leaf stamps in middle frame, oakleaf clusters and thistle stamps in central panel, spine gilt in compartments, gilt edges, green watered-silk doublures with gilt-stamped urn borders, gilt-tooled turn-ins; joints mended, extremities rubbed.

some light marginal spotting in text leaves, a few marginal stains and soiling on edges of plates. joints mended, extremities rubbed
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition, a very fine copy. Sir William Hamilton, antiquary and art collector, developed an interest in volcanoes while living in Naples as a British diplomat to the Spanish court. He was also an amateur scientist, having become a member of the Royal Society in 1766, to which he submitted many detailed and technical observations of volcanic activity around Naples and in Sicily, some of which are reproduced here. This lavish production, with illustrations by Pietro Fabris, details not only views of erupting volcanoes but also depicts volcanic rocks and landscapes, in particular those affected by the earthquakes and eruptions of the 1760s and 1770s, witnessed by Hamilton in the manner of a modern Pliny.