Champollion, Jean François

FIRST EDITION, 4 volumes, large folio (715 x 540mm.), half-titles in volumes 2-4, chromolithographed additional title in volume 1, 506 lithographed plates (of 508, see footnote), approximately 45 coloured, modern calf-backed boards, lacking plates 155 and 363b, and one leaf (with cumulative list of plates), some spotting or browning

Blackmer 309 (499 plates only); Hilmy I, 129

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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."

"ONE OF THE MONUMENTS OF EGYPTOLOGICAL PUBLISHING" (Blackmer).

Champollion conducted this systematic survey of Egypt in 1828-1829 accompanied by Rosellini with whom he planned the publication of this work. Champollion died in 1832 while it was being prepared and his brother Champollion-Figeac took over the editorial task. However the projected ten volumes of text to accompany the plates never appeared.

The collation of the work is complex and 'complete' copies must be considered very rare indeed. From Blackmer's account, dismissing those plates described as not issued, this set appears be lacking just 2 plates - 155 and 363b. However it appears that 155 is very often missing. Of the five copies sold at auction since 2000 none have had all the plates, and this is the second most complete.