MAYER, LUIGI. 1755-1803.
1. Vues en Egypte d'après les dessins originaux en la possession de Sir Robert Ainslie. [4], 110, [2] pp. Title and text in French. 48 hand-colored aquatint plates.
2. Views in Palestine. [2], 48 pp. Title and text in both English and French. 24 hand-colored aquatint plates.
3. Views in the Ottoman Empire, chiefly in Caramania, a part of Asia Minor hitherto unexplored. [4], 40 pp. English title, French title, and text in both languages. 24 hand-colored aquatint plates.
London: T. Bensley for R. Bowyer, 1802-1804-1803. 3 works bound in one volume. Folio (452 x 322 mm). Period straight-grained red morocco, covers with outer border of triple-filet rules enclosing cornucopia and palmette devices, inner border of blindstamped Greek keys alternating with crosses, central panels finely blind- and gilt-ruled with branches at corners and oakleaves and acorns at center of each side, these panels enclosing diamonds with inward-facing sphinxes at sides; spines with alternating gilt-decorated, blindstamped, and gilt-letted compartments; citron moiré silk endpapers, inner gilt dentelles; a.e.g. Title of first work lightly toned, a handful of minor scuffs to binding.
FINE COPIES IN EXQUISITE REGENCY BINDINGS. Mayer executed his drawings at the request of Sir Robert Ainslie, during the latter's diplomatic posting to Constantinople, 17761792. Napoleon's expedition to Egypt in 1798 had caught the imagination of the British public, and Mayer's publication became a bestseller. Abbey Travel 369; Blackmer 1097, 1100, 1098; Colas 2018, 2020, 2021; Lipperheide 1577, 1461, 1425.