Pompeiana: The Topography, Edifices and Ornaments of Pompeii, the Result of Excavations since 1819.

London: Jennings and Chaplin, 1832. First edition. Leather. Very Good. 11.5" by 9.5". Sir William Gell. The two volume first Jennings and Chaplin edition of William Gell's important illustrated study of nineteenth century excavations at Pompeii. This edition illustrated throughout with proof plates. The first Jennings and Chaplin edition of this archaeological study of Pompeii from William Gell. The royal 4to edition with proof plates. Gell published this first edition in four states: octavo, imperial octavo, royal quarto with proof plates, and twenty-five copies only in royal deluxe quarto with India proofs.A continuation of Gell's 1818 Pompeiana, updating that previous work with the new discoveries made in the intervening years. Illustrated with 39 plates to volume I, two hand-coloured. With 47 plates to volume II. With a number of further vignette illustrations to each volume, a number of which are mounted. Collated, complete.With the armorial bookplate of Charles Frederick Huth to the front pastedown of each volume. Huth was a British merchant banker, and notable art collector.Loosely inserted is a sheet from the Dec 6th, 1984 Illustrated London News referring to 'recent discoveries in the buried city of Pompeii', and five plates.Sir William Gell was a classical archaeologist and illustrator. This is one of many works by Gell regarding archaeological sites in Italy, and its rich history.An important contribution to the field of Classical Italian topographical archaeology, at the time this was the standard work on the excavations of Pompeii. In half morocco bindings, with marbled paper covered boards. Rubbing to back strip heads and tails and joints, resulting in losses to the leather. Bookplates to front pastedowns. Internally, firmly bound. Pages generally clean and bright, with only the odd light handling marks. Very Good