Sir William Gell and John P. Gandy
London, 1817-19
 
First edition. 8vo. pp. xxxii + 273 + unnumbered fold-out map + 2(Emendations & Directions to the Binder). Five unnumbered plates. Seventy-seven numbered plates, including numerous extensive fold-outs, all in excellent condition. Pages untrimmed. Contemporary full vellum, floriated gilt border on both covers, five raised bands and gilt decorated panels to spine. Near Fine. Some minor rubbing to the gilt, a short split at the top of the front hinge(stable) and a few marks here and there, withal an excellent copy.
 
Presentation in pencil: "Lucy Claxton / Rome / bound by Volpak / given by Sir Wm Gell"
 
Apart from some notes by Sir William Hamilton, this was the first study in English of the excavation of Pompei. Gell and Gandy used a camera lucida for their drawings. After knighthood and important contributions to the field of Classical Greek and Italian archaeological topography, Gell moved to Rome in 1820 where he spent the rest of his days painting and receiving visitors.
 
A beauteous piece of early 19th century book craftsmanship.
(science)