2 volumes. viii, 287, [5]; xii, 394, [8] pp. 13 plates (nine folding) and two vignettes of Roman coins. (4to) 23x13 cm (9x5½"), period calf rebacked, red morocco spine labels, gilt rules and lettering. Second Edition.
Second edition, with substantial editions: the entire contents of the second volume, as well as eight of the plates, are new to this edition. The first edition, comprised of the first volume, was published in 1748. The informative letters of James Russel (1720-1763), a young and learned Englishman who lived in Italy 1740-1763, where he copied master paintings, dealt in antiquities, gave tours to visiting British travelers, and closely observed his surroundings, which he writes about in entertaining style.
The letters discuss other famous travelers of the time as they pass through Rome, current Roman events (including a poem on the death of one Pope and election of another), classical quotations translated, copies of inscriptions; and they generally function as an erudite travel guide. The letters are mostly written to Russel's father, Richard Russel (1685-1756), the noted editor of the Grub Street Journal, who also published them.
Condition:
Some toning and scattered light foxing, some worming to front pastedown and three signatures at rear of volume one, without loss; very good.