Morgan, J. de

FIRST EDITION, 5 volumes TEXT, bound in 8 volumes (complete, see footnote) 4to (270 x 210mm.), and ATLAS volume of loose maps and plates, folio (380 x 267mm.), text volumes with 338 photographic, lithographed and other plates, maps and plans (58+130+33+16+8+27+66), illustrations in text, atlas volume with 16 plates and maps (some large and folding), volumes 1, 2, 3 (part  2) and 4 in contemporary maroon morocco-backed boards, volume 3 (parts 1, 3 and 4) and volume 5 (parts 1 and 2) in original wrappers, atlas volume in printed boards, morocco spines a bit rubbed and faded, wrappers a bit worn, atlas volume boards slightly worn with loss and detached

Wilson p.150; Ghani p. 632 (vol.1 & 2 only)

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."

A VERY RARE COMPLETE COPY OF THIS COMPENDIOUS, IMPORTANT, AND "PIONEER WORK, by a noted archaeologist-geologist who led several scientific missions to Iran around the turn of the century. De Morgan also excavated in southwest Persia and is credited as the first person to have become aware of the existence of vast oil deposits in the region. [He] has also acquired a dubious reputation for having shipped to his native country and the Louvre large quantities of art objects that he had unearthed" (Ghani).

Text volumes 1 & 2 cover geography; volume 3, covering geology, was published in 4 parts, all of which are separately bound in this set; volume 4, covering archaeology, was published in 2 parts which are bound together in this set (the second part begins at p.303); and volume 5, published in 2 parts, covers linguistics.