Description:
iv, 33, [9] index pp. Introduction by William Robertson. 61 engraved plates on 54 leaves, including frontispiece and 6 folding and 8 double-page plates. (Folio) 21½x15, half calf with raised bands, marbled boards, spine gilt. First Edition.
Robert Adam, who studied with Piranesi in Italy, was the first Western visitor to fully describe and illustrate the Emperor Diocletian's palace. He embraced the details of what he saw, and together he and his brother James became successful architects in the Neoclassical style, transforming the architecture of London. Bookplate of George Baillie [who died well before this book was published], as Lord of the Treasury, on front pastedown; presumably a descendant used his bookplate. Fowler 2.
Lot Amendments
Condition:
Covers very worn, front free endpaper detached; light foxing and soiling throughout, especially on margins and along folds of plates; Plate XIII bound upside down, overall a complete, good copy.