Books

18. ROBERTS, David. THE HOLY LAND, SYRIA, IDUMEA, ARABIA, EGYPT AND NUBIA. After lithographs by Louis Haghe from drawings made on the spot by David Roberts, R.A. with historical descriptions by The Revd George Croly. London: Day & Son, 1856. This is volume 5 only. Large octavo. 11 by 7 7/8 in. (27.9 x 20 cm). This volume was part of a new edition, though in a smaller format, of Roberts's two famous works: The Holy Land, three folio volumes, 1842-9, and Egypt and Nubia, three folio volumes, 1846-9. The volume is finely illustrated and contains all plates called for. There are 43 plates in all, including one map; the rest are lithographed views, tinted in one or two, and, very occasionally, in three colors. The plates are quite fresh overall. The volume is ex-library and most plates have an imperceptible ink stamp on the reverse of each plate, with the exception of the lithographed title-page which is stamped in the image. The book block is loose in worn and rubbed nineteenth-century…

David Roberts's 'Egypto & Nubia' captures the essence of ancient civilizations with exquisite artistry and detailed accounts.