Ruskin, John

2 1/2 pages with integral address leaf (8 7/8 x 7 1/8 in.; 225 x 180 mm), Vevay, 4 June [1849]; formerly folded, seal tear and remnant of old mounting on address leaf without loss.

William H. Arnold (his sale, Anderson Galleries, 10 November 1924, lot 762?)

formerly folded, seal tear and remnant of old mounting on address leaf without loss.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Ruskin shares his regret on the illustrations of his essay.

The Seven Lamps of Architecture, his first book under his own name and with his own illustrations, is an extended essay that helped to capture and summarize the thoughts of the Gothic Revival movement, first published in May 1849. Ruskin was cognizant of the poor quality of the etched illustrations (see his preface p. x), but a correspondent in Cambridge evidently inquired about this issue, and Ruskin responds at length in the present letter, pointing out the failure of the shadowed parts, how the darks were destroyed by overcleaning the plate, and how future editions will use line engraving.