WILKINSON, John Gardner, Sir (1797-1875). Manners and Customs of the Ancient Egyptians. London: John Murray, 1837. 3 volumes, 8vo (214 x 132 mm). 17 lithographic plates (including 7 chromolithographic, one tinted, 3 folding), numerous in-text illustrations, errata tipped in to vols.II and III. (Some light offsetting, plate 7 trimmed close touching imprint, lacking ads to vol.III.) Publisher's green morocco gilt, sides with central gilt Egyptian, smooth spines gilt-lettered with lotus motif, edges gilt (some very minor wear). FIRST EDITION of the first series of Wilkinson's profusely illustrated work about Egypt. Wilkinson lived in Egypt for twelve years, participating in excavations at Thebes, and visiting Nubia and the Cataracts. Copies in leather bindings decorated in the same style as copies in publisher's cloth are rare on the market at auction.