Description

Sir William Gell and John P. Gandy. Pompeiana: The Topography, Edifices, And Ornaments Of Pompeii. London, Rodwell and Martin 1824.

Gell, an English archaeologist, served as guide to Caroline, consort of the prince of Wales, and accompanied her in a Grand Tour of Italy in 1814. His work informed Europe about what was being revealed as the ancient Roman towns of Herculaneum and Pompeii were slowly being uncovered. There was a constant demand for books illustrated with accurate pictures of the site. Gell made drawings on the spot using the camera lucida. Gandy, an architect and landscape designer, was largely responsible for the text. The plates in this volume show interiors, decorated rooms, buildings and ruins, paintings and decoration, and there are also many detailed maps.

This is one of the earliest books on archaeology.

Originally published in 1817-19, Gell published this corrected and expanded versions in 1824. New discoveries since the publication of Gell's first account included the excavation of the Chalcidicum, the Pantheon area, the Thermae and the final clearance of the Forum. Gell lived in Italy from 1820 and having been authorized to visit the ongoing excavations at all hours was uniquely able to make sketches and document the discovery.

Details

2nd edition revised and updated published by Gell. xxxi + 275 pages. 77 numbered plates hors texte including 2 hand colored ones and a fold out map and an additional 5 un-numbered maps and illustrations including 2 on double pages. Vignettes throughout. 4to. Full red morocco. Gilt and blind stamped boards. Gilt spine. Head and tail caps. Head and heel tail bands. Gauffered edges. Gold tooled doublure. All edges gilt.

Thomas Jefferson owned a copy of this edition and recommended the University of Virginia purchase the title.

Dimensions

10 in X 7in X 2.5in (25cm X 18cm X 6.5cm)

Condition

General wear. Nicks. Corners bumped. 1 inch and 2 inch cracks on upper spine. End papers seemingly replaced with green silk over a hundred years ago. Title and half-title pages missing. Inscribed in "Dr. W. J. Norfolk 12-4-93 (1893) Nice A.M." on top right Preface page. Light to medium foxing primarily on margins. Stack of pages tight.

Price
$500