The Topography of Rome and its Vicinity.

London: Saunders and Otley, 1834. First edition. Leather. Good. 9" by 5.5". Unnamed. A scarce first edition copy of William Gell's notable and influential study of classical topography on Rome and 'its vicinity'. Complete in two volumes. Sir William Gell was a British classical archaeologist and illustrator best known for his text on the archaeological discoveries at Pompeii, 'Pompeiana; the Topography, Edifices and Ornaments of Pompeii', and also this, his second publication on the 'Topography of Rome and its Vicinity'. First published in 1834 in two volumes, this work was written to accompany a map of the territory of ancient Rome, for which the field research and surveying activities were carried out in 1822. This text provides alphabetical entries on all the sites in Rome and its environs, with their modern names and populations, and their significance in ancient history and literature. Volume II also contains essays on the history and languages of ancient Italy, and supplements to various entries, where new discoveries had been made during the course of the work's preparation. In a uniform full calf binding with attractive marbled endpapers and textblock. Collated, complete with several monochromatic illustrations, and two plates depicting sketches of 'Falerii' and 'Fidenae' to volume I with folding plate of 'Etruscan Inscriptions', and three plates to volume II, including a two page 'Map of VEII'. In a uniform polished calf binding. Externally slightly bumped and rubbed to extremities. Rubbed to head and tail of spine. Rubbing to upper extremities of boards volume I resulting in sections of loss to leather. Rubbing to spine resulting in slight loss to gilt and loss to spines labels. Booksellers label tipped to front pastedown. Front hinge failed volume I, with front free-endpaper to preface detached but present. Hinges to volume II and rear hinge volume I split, showing cords but reasonably firm. Internally firmly bound. Pages very bright and clean throughout. Pages very slightly age toned to edges. Good