Lot 167: ADAM, Robert (1728-1792) and James ADAM (1732-1794). The Works in Archite

ADAM, Robert (1728-1792) and James ADAM (1732-1794). The Works in Architecture. London: for the authors and sold by Peter Elmsly, 1778-1786 [vol. I, numbers 1-5 dated 1773-1778; vol. II, numbers 1-5 dated 1786]. First edition, second issue, of the most beautiful and innovative British architectural book of the 18th century (Millard). This work, which contains engravings by the great Piranesi, was instrumental in the development of a distinctly English expression of neo-classicism. This edition contains the reissued original sheets of volume I and the page-for-page resetting of the letterpress in volume II. Berlin Kat 2341; Millard English, 2. Two volumes in one, folio (662 x 485mm). Engraved frontispiece by F. Bartolozzi after Antonio Zucchi, general titles and part titles in English and French; 80 engraved plates, 2 double-page, by Piranesi, Vivares, Rooker, Zucchi, Pastorini and others, after R. and J. Adam (a few small marginal repairs, occasional spotting and toning). Modern half calf over older marbled boards (some edgewear and scuffing).