Murray, Dr John

First edition, large folio (535 x 352mm.), 26 photographs from waxed paper negatives, comprising: engraved additional title with mounted albumen print (216 x 170mm.), and 25 photographs on card (each approximately 248 x 354mm., one the reverse), salted paper prints and dilute albumen prints, each (except plate 5) with photographer's and publisher's credits, contemporary red half morocco, upper cover titled in gilt, flat spine, [not in Gernsheim], some light spotting, some scuffing and stains to binding, spine and corners slightly worn

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."

Very rare, one of only seven known copies. Dr John Murray (1809-1898), an officer in the Bengal Medical Service, is recognised as one of the great masters of the calotype process and took some of the finest views of India in the mid-nineteenth century. These 26 photographs were selected by the publisher Joseph Hogarth from 600 negatives taken by Murray in the 1850s. The original agreement between Hogarth and Murray was included with Murray's own copy, offered for sale in these rooms in 1999, which is the only other copy of this work we have traced at auction in over forty years (Early Photographs of India: the archive of Dr John Murray, 18 June 1999, lot 22). Five other copies are recorded in libraries in the UK and Ireland.

The photographs comprise:
Frontispiece: 'Entrance to the Jumna Musjid'
1. East Pavilion and part of the Taj Gardens.
2. The Jumma Musjid
3. Interior of the Delhi Gate of the Fort of Agra
4. Part of the River face of the Fort
5. North face of the Khas Muhul
6. East side of the Khas Muhul
7. The Dewani Khas
8. A River-side view
9. Entrance gateway, Etimad-ood Dowlah's tomb
10. West Pavilion, Etimad-ood-Dowlah's tomb
11. The Cheenee Kee Rozu
12-16. Views on the banks of the Jumna
17. Gateway of the gardens of Secundra
18. Mausoleum of hte Emperor Akbar at Secundra
19. A Hindoo Mut'h
20. Inclosure and Gateway at Futehpoor Seekree
21. Mausoleum of Shekh Suleem Chishtee
22-25. Views at Nynee Tal