Books and Manuscripts

(London): Printed for the Author, 1764. First and only edition. Folio. (xi), iv, 33, (1) pp. With the book-plate of English master builder Thomas Cubitt (1788-1855) on front paste-down. Illustrated with 61 numbered engraved plates on 54 leaves (including frontispiece, seven folding plates, and seven double-page plates); engraved by F. Bartolozzi, E. Rooker, F. Patton, P. Santini, A. Walker, (A.) Zucchi, P. Mazell, Dom. Cunego, and J. Bassire, after drawings by Charles-Louis Clérisseau. Contemporary full speckled calf, stamped in gilt, rebacked, red morocco spine label; red speckled edges; scattered, mostly minor, foxing to text and plates. Additional armorial book-plate on front paste-down. Fowler, pp. 3-4; ESTC T46923; Brunet 1:46

An important work by British Neoclassical architect Robert Adam (1728-92), describing the ancient Roman palace-fortress of Emperor Diocletian, located in present-day Split, Croatia. Adam conceived of this work while on his Grand Tour (1754-58) through France and Italy studying classical architecture. In the summer of 1757, with the help of his teacher, the French architect and antiquary, Charles-Louis Clérisseau (1721-1820), and two accompanying draughtsman, Adam began to survey the largely forgotten palace ruins, built by Diocletian following his abdication in 305 AD. Adam worked closely with Clérisseau for five weeks before returning to London, while Clérisseau stayed on in Venice, from 1757-60, to oversee the engraving of some of the drawings of plans, elevations, and views. While back in London, Adam enlisted Scottish historian William Robertson to write the introduction, and oversaw the engraving of the remaining plates. The resulting work was instrumental in advancing Adams' career, and contributed to the development of the Neoclassical style that bears his name.

Thomas Cubitt (1788-1855) was an English Neoclassical master builder who developed many historic squares and streets in Central London, and was also responsible for the East Front of Buckingham Palace.