MAJOR, Thomas (1720-1799). Les ruines de Paestum, ou de Posidonie, dans la Grande Grece. London: J. Dixwell for T. Major, 1768.

MAJOR, Thomas (1720-1799). Les ruines de Paestum, ou de Posidonie, dans la Grande Grece. London: J. Dixwell for T. Major, 1768.

First French edition. The temples at Paestum were almost unknown until their rediscovery in 1746; the first publication on them, in French, only appeared in 1764. Major's work was far more ambitious than any previous survey. The appearance of a French as well as an English edition suggests that there was not just a waiting French audience but a growing international interest in Greek Doric architecture. Blackmer 1065; Brunet III, 1329; Fowler 157; Harris 539; RIBA 2008.

Folio (547 x 373mm). 25 engraved plates numbered I-XVIII, XIXA, XIXB, XX-XXIIII, engraved royal arms, 5 engraved vignettes. List of subscribers, and a final leaf listing Thomas Major’s engravings (some faint even browning, heavier spotting and browning to plates iI, II, V, VI and XVIII). Modern half calf, gilt spine (extremities lightly rubbed, spine fractionally faded). Provenance: Dampierre (armorial bookplate).

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