Stuart, James and Nicholas Revett.

First edition, 5 volumes (including supplement), folio (530 x 345mm.), 373 engraved plates, maps and plans (including 4 portraits of Stuart and Revett), some folding, engraved vignettes on titles, numerous etched or engraved illustrations in text, errata leaf in volumes 1 and 3, half-title in volume 5, list of subscribers in volume 5 (lacking in volume 1), volumes 1-4 in uniform early nineteenth-century calf, volume 5 in original cloth (but rebacked to match other volumes), [Blackmer 1617; BAL RIBA 3183; Fowler 340; Harris 857], old library stamps on verso of all plates, occasional browning and spotting (mainly vol.1), slight occasional soiling, lacking list of subscribers in vol.1, one plate torn in image without loss (vol.1, chap. V, pl.III), all vol. uniformly rebacked, corners restored, somewhat rubbed and marked

Museum of Science and Art, Edinburgh, stamp on verso of plates

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 set of the first accurate survey of the classical buildings of Athens, through the influence of which the Greek style was established in English architecture. Sir John Summerson (1904-1992), one of the leading architectural historians of the twentieth century, has described it as "one of the three most important travel books of the century" (the other two being Wood's Ruins of Palmyra and Adam's Palace of Diocletian at Spalatro). Stuart and Revett's visit to Athens was made in 1751 at the instigation of the Society of Dilettanti. Stuart was responsible for the measured drawings, Revett for the topographical views.

Due to the extended publication period of sixty eight years sets are frequently found incomplete. The supplement, considered as volume 5, was published in 1830, and includes sites outside Athens. The number of plates in this volume seems to vary: this copy contains 52 plates and 2 portraits.