Kip, Johannes

2 volumes in one, folio (455 x 302mm.), titles printed in bistre or red (part of imprint to volume 1 blanked out during printing), lists of plates pasted to verso of titles, 160 engraved plates, comprising 152 double-page views (see footnote) and 8 plates of arms, later calf retaining contemporary blindstamped panelled covers, [cf. BAL RIBA 387 (see note) and 388 (for 1715 edition)], some repairs, occasionally affecting or obscuring printed surface, ?lacking one plate (see footnote), binding rather worn

Maue Crosbie, Lord Brandon, stamps at head of vol.1 title page and verso

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."

An important work depicting the cities, palaces, country houses, parks and cathedrals of England at the beginning of the eighteenth century.

Britannia illustrata was first published in 1707 and enlarged in following years. "The whole collection, with its alternating title and relatively fluid content, provided the printsellers with a vehicle for disposing of copies of topographical engravings issued over a considerable period of time by a number of publishers" (Adams, London Illustrated, p.38).

The content of copies therefore tends to vary. In this copy there is no plate 65 in vol.2 ("Earl of Dorset. Seat"), which is called for in the printed index which is pasted on to the back of the title-page. This is the final plate on the plate list and was possibly never added - earlier editions do not seem to have included it and even without it the volume contains the 80 plates called for on the title page. The imprecise identification of the Earl of Dorset's house (unlike the other plates) may indicate a work in progress.