First edition of this rare and splendid series of Palestinian views, uncommonly complete with all the plates. The ninety-nine beautiful lithographs, most subtly tinted in blues and warm tones, show magnificent views of Beirut, Sidon, Mount Hermon, the ruins of Hazour, Mellia, Akka, Samaria, Jaffa, Jerusalem, Kidron, Bethlehem, Hebron, the Dead Sea, and Gaza. The final plate is a map of the region with a few hand-coloured lines. All bear the engraved signature of Wilhelm van de Velde (1818-1898) and the blind-stamp of the publisher. This copy includes the often-missing lithographed title-page and is one of only 300 volumes ever published. After this small print run, all lithographic stones were destroyed.
From the collection of Baron James de Rothschild, featuring the distinctive roundel bookplate of the Bibliothèque du Baron James de Rothschild. Born in Frankfurt under the Holy Roman Empire, James Rothschild initially moved to Paris to aid his brother Nathan Mayer Rothschild's business there; shortly, he established himself and his family at the heart of France's industrial revolution, and charted a steady course through the upheavals of 19th century French politics. Elevated to the status of Baron, his interest in art was genuine, and his collection well-respected.
With the armorial bookplate of Baron James de Rothschild and the label of the Château de Ferrières on the front pastedown. The binding shows very slight signs of wear, with some dampstaining affecting the margins throughout. Blackmer 1722.