Luynes, Honoré T.P.J. d'Albert, duc de.

First edition, 3 text volumes and portfolio atlas, together 4 volumes, 4to (352 x 265mm.), half-titles, 99 plates and maps, comprising: atlas 2 folding tinted lithographed maps, one double-page engraved plate, 64 numbered photogravures (one double-page) by C. Nègre after photographs by Vignes and Jardin, 18 numbered plates, maps and plans (2 engraved maps, one double-page, 2 tinted lithographed plans and 14 tinted lithographed views by E. Ciceri after photographs by Vignes or Sauvaire); text volume 3: 2 chromolithographed maps, 2 plates and 10 plain lithographed plates, other illustrations in text, text in original printed blue wrappers, uncut, plates in original black cloth-backed printed blue boards with cloth ties, preserved in two modern blue calf-backed marbled clam-shell boxes, some light spotting to text

Röhricht 2824 (calling for only 86 plates); not in Blackmer or Atabey

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 rare complete copy of this important expedition to the Middle East in 1864, including Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. The expedition was sponsored and directed by the duc de Luynes (1802-1867), eminent numismatist, scholar, archaeologist and art collector. The first volume contains his account of his discoveries, the second contains descriptions of the journey by other members of the expedition, and the third contains an account of the geology, mineralogy and palaeontology of the area. In 1856 Charles Nègre had won second prize in a competition sponsored by the duc de Luynes to find the best method of mechanical reproduction of a photograph. Despite losing to Poitevin, Nègre was chosen by de Luynes to produce the fine photogravures for this work.