Adam, Robert

Folio (21 1/8 x 1403/4 in.; 535 x 372 mm.). Sixty-one numbered engraved plates on fifty-four sheets, including frontispiece, six folding and eight double-page, the majority by F. Bartolozzi and F. Zucchi, printed list of subscribers. Contemporary half calf with corners, marbled paper on board, gilt spine with James Grant's gilt cipher. Joints slightly rubbed and paper boards faded. 

James Grant (cipher on spine). acquisition: H.D Lyon, 1967 

Fowler 2; Harrison pp. 76-81; Millard II, 1; RIBA 27

First and only edition. Subscriber's copy.

James Grant, from Grant Castle's copy with ciphers in spine.

At the beginning of his architectural practice, Robert set off on the unavoidable Grand Tour of the Mediterranean Sea to visit the now fashionable Antique sites. He traveled to Dalmatia in July 1757, with his teacher Charles-Louis Clérisseau. After a stay of a bit more than five weeks, he began his return trip to London. 
Most, if not all, the drawings were by Charles-Louis Clérisseau, who stayed in Venice to arranged for the engraving of his drawings. Much of the engraving work was done by F. Bartolozzi, F. Zucchi, P. Santini, and D. Cunego. Eleven plates, those by Mazell, Patton, Rooker, Walker and Basire, were produced in England under Robert's supervision.
For the publication, Adam refused to allow Clérisseau's name to appear on the plates.