Boissard, Jean-Jacques

Six parts in two volumes, large 4to (12 1/4 x 8 in.; 311 x 203 mm). Six parts engraved title-pages, engraved portraits of Boissard and of Theodor de Bry (repeated in parts II, III & IV), twenty-one engraved maps and city plans including six folding plates, numerous engraved plates chiefly depicting Roman sculpture and inscriptions, several engravings signed by Jacques Granthomme; head- and tailpieces; many woodcut initials, some historiated; late 59 in part IV supplied, fore-edges of two folding plates and an illustration in part II frayed.
Contemporary gold-tooled brown goatskin by John Bateman, royal bookbinder, covers with a wide dentelle border and double fillet around a large panel with olive wreath corner-pieces and at the centre the Arms of King James I, flame tool at each side of the panel, the remaining field semi with fleurs-de-lys, flat spines divided into small panels with contrasting tools, surrounded by a double fillet and floral border, gilt edges; spines rubbed and faded, joints fragile, signs of wear on covers with lack of skin on back cover of vol. 2, lacks ties.

King James I (armorial binding) — William Foyle (bookplate; Christie's London, 12 July 2000, lot 339). acquisition: Bernard Quaritch, 2002

 Adams B-2331; Brunet, I, 1069; Cicognara 3626; Rossetti G-515; Schudt 715

First edition. King James I's copy.

Important work about Rome's history and antiquities, very popular when it was published, especially by means of Theodor de Bry's delicate plates.