Lot 184
  • 184

RENAN, MISSION DE PHENICIE, 1864

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description

  • Mission de Phénicie. Paris: Imprimerie Impériale, 1864
FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, comprising: TEXT 4to (335 x 245mm), half-title, illustrations in the text, and ATLAS folio (500 x 340mm.), half-title, list of plates, 70 plates, map and plans (31 lithographed, 24 engraved, 13 photolithographs, and 2 chromolithographed), 3 double-page, one folding, illustrations in the text, contemporary half morocco, text rebacked, slightly rubbed

Provenance

Gardner A. Sage Theological Seminary Library New Brunswick, New Jersey, inkstamps

Condition

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."

Catalogue Note

A RARE COMPLETE SET. The work records an archaeological expedition to Lebanon and Syria commissioned by Napoleon III and led by Ernest Renan. A noted scholar of Semitic languages, Renan had hoped that his excavations would enable him to establish a connection between the Phoenician port of Byblos, the Greek word byblos, and the Bible, and discusses excavations made in Cyprus. However, while this particular aim came to nothing, Renan did unearth numerous important Phoenician relics and inscriptions (many of which are now in the Louvre). Renan’s work signalled a renewed interest in the Phoenicians and led to more important archaeological investigations. We can trace only one complete set sold at auction in the past 45 years, a copy sold in these rooms 10 May 2001, lot 213 for £10,000 (hammer).