LE ROY, LES RUINES DE PLUS BEAUX MONUMENTS DE LA GRECE,1758

FIRST EDITION, 2 parts in one volume, folio (549 x 395mm.), 59 (of 60) engraved plates, those in part I being views, those in part II being measured plans and elevations, contemporary mottled calf, modern marbled slipcase, very minor worming, mostly to first leaves, occasional browning or staining, last plate with marginal repair, lacking plate XXI in part two, hinges and binding repaired

Roberto Almagià (1884-1962), Italian geographer, bookplate

Atabey 709; Blackmer 1009

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

This work introduced to Western Europe the architecture of classical Athens and remained a major source of inspiration for the Greek style for many years. Le Roy visited Greece in 1754 and achieved publication in advance of the first volumes of Stuart and Revett's The Antiquities of Athens, which appeared in 1762. By his own admission, strict accuracy of illustration was not Le Roy's main aim, and he was particularly keen to include accounts of his travels in Greece in order to avoid any monotony of description in the textual descriptions of the plates, as well as to convey, very much in accord with contemporary French taste, the soul of the most beautiful of the ruined monuments.