Nebel, Carl

First edition, folio (548 x 380mm.), half-title, 50 lithographed plates (one plan on india paper mounted, 29 views, 10 coloured by hand; 10 hand-coloured costume plates; 10 plain plates of antiquities), contemporary red morocco gilt by J. Wright, central foliate and floral lozenge surrounded by gilt border and cornerpieces with similar tooling, spine tooled gilt in compartments, gilt edges, some spotting and foxing affecting about 18 plates, spine faded

Beriah Botfield, Longleat, sale, Christie's, 13 June 2002, lot 105

Colas II, 2184; Lipperheide Md 14; Palau 188866; Sabin 52177

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."

Rare. Nebel, a Prussian engineer and architect, was resident in Mexico between 1829 and 1834. This resulting work, with its architectural, topographical and ethnographical illustrations, is one of the most significant of the period, as well as one of the rarest (we have traced only two other complete copies at auction). The preface is by Alexander Humboldt.