Jones, Inigo

2 volumes bound in one, folio (500 x 345mm.), FIRST EDITION, engraved frontispiece, vignette portrait on titles, and 97 plates, 29 double-page and/or folding (numbered 1-73 and 1-63), list of subscribers in volume 1, contemporary calf, a few plates browned or spotted, binding rubbed, joints splitting

Edward William Vernon Harcourt (1825-91), armorial bookplate

BAL RIBA 1624; Fowler 162; Harris 385

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."

Lord Burlington commissioned William Kent in 1724 to edit The Designs of Inigo Jones. When completed it contained additional designs by both Burlington and Kent, and much of the work attributed to Jones is now attributed to John Webb. As noted in BAL RIBA "it would seem that the intellectual content of the work is more Webb's and Kent's than Jones's, and it is only his name on the titlepage, and his conceptual fatherhood of the work, that has led it to be catalogued under Jones's name".

Lord Viscount Harcourt is listed as one of the subscribers to this work, and this is presumably that copy.