The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt & Nubia from drawings made on the spot by David Roberts R.A. with historical descriptions by the Revd. George Croly LL.D. London: F.G. Moon, 1842-43-46-49.
6 volumes in 4. Elephant folio (604 x 430 mm). Lithograph frontispiece portrait of Roberts by C. Baugniet, 6 tinted lithograph titles, 121 full-page tinted lithograph plates, one of which with hand-coloring, 120 tinted lithograph plates in the text, wood engraved armorial ensigns of Jerusalem and two full-page lithograph maps. Uniformly bound in 19th century crimson morocco over cloth boards, spine gilt. Light foxing, several marginal repairs, a few instances of brief dampstain, joints and corners rubbed, some skinning to corners, generally an attractive set.

FIRST EDITION. Generally accepted as the finest illustrated work on the Near East, Major Abbey considered this set to be "one of the most important and elaborate ventures of nineteenth-century publishing, and the apotheosis of the tinted lithograph ... there is pleasure to be had from many of the individual plates, where Haghe's skillful and delicate lithography, and his faithful interpretation of Robert's draughtsmanship and dramatic sense, combine in what are undoubtedly remarkable examples of tinted lithographic work." Roberts' attention to detail and texture, as well as his ability to evoke a sense of the epic or nostalgic must surely be attributed to his early jobs painting trompe l'oeil stonework and paneling and as a scenic painter for the theater. Even Ruskin praised his "absolutely careful and faithful" panoramas. Abbey Travel 385 & 272; Ray English 88; Tooley 401, 402.