DESGODETZ, Antoine (1653-1728). Les Edifices Antiques de Rome Paris: Jean Baptiste Coignard, 1682. 2° (417 x 280mm). Engraved title within an elaborate foliated frame, engraved head-pieces and initials to Dedication and text, 137 engraved plates within the pagination, many double-page. (Some damp-staining, more pronounced to early leaves.) Contemporary calf (worn, upper board detached). Provenance: Richard Holland (armorial bookplate) -- Edward Ashworth (presentation inscription dated 1 Feb 1836) -- Sir Albert Richardson (detailed pencil measurements and notes throughout with shorthand notes to rear pastedown and facing verso).

DESGODETZ, Antoine (1653-1728). Les Edifices Antiques de Rome Paris: Jean Baptiste Coignard, 1682. 2° (417 x 280mm). Engraved title within an elaborate foliated frame, engraved head-pieces and initials to Dedication and text, 137 engraved plates within the pagination, many double-page. (Some damp-staining, more pronounced to early leaves.) Contemporary calf (worn, upper board detached). Provenance: Richard Holland (armorial bookplate) -- Edward Ashworth (presentation inscription dated 1 Feb 1836) -- Sir Albert Richardson (detailed pencil measurements and notes throughout with shorthand notes to rear pastedown and facing verso).

FIRST EDITION: 'MASTERPIECES OF ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING AND ENGRAVING' (Fowler p.85). The most complete and accurate survey of the ruins of ancient Rome to have been undertaken at the time; not superseded for many years. RIBA 858; Fowler p.84; Millard French, 62.