Dalton, Richard

First edition, folio (526 x 364mm.), 43 engraved plates, 6 double-page or folding, before numbers but with captions, contemporary half calf, red morocco onlays on both covers with gilt arms of the first Earl of Malmesbury, some spotting and offsetting, rebacked retaining original spine, corners worn

James Harris, 1st Earl of Malmesbury (1746-1820), large armorial on covers; Sefik E. Atabey, book label, sale in these rooms, 28 May 2002, lot 313

Atabey 310; cf. Blackmer 443

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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."

Richard Dalton (1715-1791), librarian to King George III, draughtsman and engraver, visited Greece and Egypt in 1749-50 and was the first to make relatively accurate drawings of the ruins of Athens. This volume comprises the first two of three sets of plates, each first issued by Dalton without text or title-page. Twenty-three of the plates relate to the antiquities of Athens (as part of an unfinished series entitled Musaeum Graecum) and twenty to Egypt, the Archipelago and Constantinople. A third set of plates relating to the inhabitants of Egypt was published much later, in 1781, when the descriptive text first appeared.