Roberts, David

FIRST EDITION, 41 PARTS BOUND IN 31 (A COMPLETE SET), HOUSED IN FOUR CONTEMPORARY PORTFOLIOS, folio (620 x 442mm.), lithographed portrait, 6 pictorial titles, 121 plates and 120 half-page illustrations, 2 engraved maps, original cloth-backed printed wrappers, housed in 4 contemporary half morocco portfolios, each with label on upper cover, all contents loose (gutta-percha perished), some spotting, Holy Land lacking subscribers list, Egypt with some wrappers detached or spines defective, portfolios worn

F.v.L.L.W., initials on labels of portfolios

Abbey, Travel 385 and 272

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."

"Roberts's Holy Land was one of the most important and elaborate ventures of nineteenth-century publishing, and it was the apotheosis of the tinted lithograph... where Haghe's skilful and delicate lithography, and his faithful interpretation of Roberts's draughtsmanship and dramatic sense, combine in what are undoubtedly remarkable examples of tinted lithographic work. Particularly in the Egypt and Nubia section, one feels that the colossal subjects and broad vistas were ideally suited to Roberts's talent" (Abbey).

There are a number of advertisements and notices loosely inserted into the parts:

Holy Land contains: Roberts's sketches (1p., 1842?), Mr.Moon, having received Her Majesty's Command... (1p., 1839), F.G. Moon's publications (1p.), Finden's royal gallery of British art (3pp., 1844?), By special authority. Parris's original authentic grand coronation picture (4pp., 1839), and By an error of the binder, the vignette of the Quay of Suez is placed before the Wells of Moses (1p.)

Egypt and Nubia contains: A catalogue of fine and important engravings recently published by F.G. Moon (4pp., 1843) and Relievo map of Palestine, or the Holy Land (1p.)