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“containing two hundred and forty-six engravings of topographical objects, of which one hundred and twenty-two no longer remain. This work contains copies of manuscripts which throw new and unexpected lights on the ancient history of the arts in England.” This copy has tipped in to the front free end paper a note from (presumably) the original owner noting that the un-numbered copies of this first edition, which were to be sold at six guineas, had been completely destroyed in a fire which happened at the premises of Mr Bradley in Fleet Street- “the coloured plates all lost, the six years hard labour of Mr and Mrs Smith. The copper plates were saved. But it must be some years before another edition can be published.”. A pencil note in the top margin of the ‘stone plate’ says “this is an engraving on stone by Mr Smith, which he showed me about six months ago in Newman Street.” The copper plate version of this follows the lithograph. Binding quarter leather, marbled paper over boards. The plates present match the list of plates at the end. Fourteen of the plates have been coloured (two in monochrome). Condition: Boards rubbed, worn but sound. Some age discolouration here and there inside and grubbiness especially to verso of the plates, but overall a tight, sound, clean copy. Contents: half title, title, dedication, advertisement (two pages, comprising a rehearsal by John Smith of his argument with Mr Hawkins, who had been the intended author of the accompanying text), Preface [i-xv], then 1-272 the text and plates, then list of plates, then list of subscribers (pages 273 227).
