Hancarville, Pierre-François Hugues dit d'

First edition, 3 volumes (including supplement), 4to (290 x 218mm.), 90 engraved plates, some folding, engraved title-vignettes and headpieces, nineteenth-century half vellum by Pavey, with his ticket, [Blackmer 846 (this copy)], some spotting, bindings slightly soiled and slightly scuffed

T.J.LL. Baker, bookplate; Henry Blackmer, book label (sale in these rooms 11-13 October 1989, lot 658, £2,200)

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."

D'Hancarville, who had close connections with the Dilettanti Society, worked with Winckelmann and acted as Sir William Hamilton's agent, assisting him in amassing his collection. In this controversial work he "attempted to systematise an enormous amount of mythological and ritualistic material - Greek, Persia, Indian - and to draw relationships based on comparative mythology and the vaguest historical evidence. The plates are extremely interesting and illustrate elements from the various mysteries, mithraic, eleusinian, etc." (Blackmer).