Books

London: F.G. Moon, 1842-1849.. FIRST EDITION. Elephant folio. 6 volumes bound as 4. Modern half red morocco over red cloth, spines with raised bands and gilt lettering, marbled endpapers, top edges gilt . Complete with 250 plates comprising lithographed portrait of Roberts by C. Baugniet, 2 engraved maps, 6 lithographed titles with vignettes and 241 tinted lithograph plates of which 121 are full-page and 120 half-page. Light occasional spotting and dampstaining to margins, generally an excellent set. "One of the most important and elaborate ventures of 19th-century publishing... the apotheosis of the tinted lithograph" (Abbey Travel). David Roberts, RA (1796-1864), enjoyed a wide popularity in his day for his European views, but it is on the outstanding success of this project that the modern appreciation of his work is based. In August 1838 he arrived in Alexandria to start a carefully planned enterprise. It is claimed that he was the first European to have unlimited access to…

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