Simpson, William

First edition, second issue (with the key plates to volume 1 bound in), 2 volumes bound in one, folio (550 x 368mm.), 2 lithographed titles each with hand-coloured vignette, volume 1 with lithographed dedication to Queen Victoria (and plate list on the reverse), volume 2 with letterpress plate list, 79 hand-coloured tinted lithographed plates, heightened with gum arabic, by E. Walker, J. Needham and others after Simpson, each plate with paper guard, 36 mounted outline key plates (20+16), volume 2 with letterpress text, contemporary red morocco gilt, sides with wide decorative borders elaborately tooled in gilt with fillets, and foliate and floral tools, spine in 7 compartments with green morocco lettering piece, gilt edges, some spotting, mostly marginal, notably affecting first title, dedication and small areas of about 5 plates, second title trimmed to margins and inlaid to size, a few plates trimmed slightly at lower edge, some very light rubbing to lower corners and edges

Beriah Botfield, Longleat, sale, Christie's, 13 June 2002, lot 114

Abbey, Travel 237; cf. Atabey 146 (reduced version)

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 finely bound de luxe copy of the first edition with hand-coloured plates. Simpson's work is impressive "not only artistically and technically, but also as pictorial reporting. Simpson must in this way rank as an early war correspondent" (Abbey).