(WOOD, Robert). The
Ruins of Palmyra, otherwise Tedmor in the Desart. London: 1753. Elephant
folio (22 x 15 inches), contemporary three-quarter calf rebacked over
marbled boards. $7500.
First edition, Large
Paper Copy, of
Robert Wood’s most famous work, illustrated with 62 large engraved
plates.
Robert Wood traveled
to the ancient city of Palmyra to study and record the architecture and
designs of the Roman ruins. His comprehensive survey became one
of the primary sources in England and America for the classical revival so
popular in the late eighteenth century. Countless American buildings,
columns, porticos and designs were modeled directly after the engravings
in Wood’s work, with plate XVIII (“Eagle Decorating Ancient Roman
Temple”) even incorporated into the Seal of the United States. A fine
wide-margined copy with crisp, clean plates with only occasional light
foxing. A beautiful copy of an important work.
please click images to enlarge:
![wood binding.jpg (25944 bytes)](images/smalls/wood_binding_small.jpg) ![rwood4b.jpg (67762 bytes)](images/smalls/rwood4b_small.jpg) ![rwood5b.jpg (64816 bytes)](images/smalls/rwood5b_small.jpg) ![rwood6b.jpg (47162 bytes)](images/smalls/rwood6b_small.jpg)
|