illustrated by Robert William Billings, Architect. in four volumes
London, published by the author, 3 St.Mary's Road, Canonbury, London, ca.1852.
4 volumes. 4to [34x25cm]. engraved title-page to each volume and 240 fine steel engraved plates from drawings by the author, all printed on India paper and mounted on to thick paper.
the set has been finely bound, presumably for the author, by Andrew Grieve of Edinburgh in full red crushed morocco, gilt decorated to the spines. all edges gilt.
Unfortunately there is some abrasion or insect damage to the leather, mostly light, but severe to the foot of the rear board of volume two [see images]. scattered foxing, to text pages and plate surrounds, again mostly light, but the plates themselves are all clean and fresh.
very heavy books that will require extra shipping costs for overseas destinations
Presumably the true First Edition of this monumental Victorian work on the castles, baronial homes, abbeys, cathedrals and churches of Scotland, pre-dating the Blackwood publication.
A very few sets of this author-published edition are available, but this is an extra special example, in a larger format, and with an original water-colour drawing by the author of Brechin Cathedral and Round Tower inserted as the frontispiece to volume one.
