Ancient Egyptians Antique Books Gold Gilt

The Manners and Customs of the Ancient Egyptians (in three volumes) by Sir J. Gardner Wilkinson. A new edition revised and corrected By Samuel Birch. Boston: S.E. Cassino and Company 1883. 8vo with 72 plates (some in amazing brilliant color) including foldouts, 16 vignettes, and 643 woodcuts.  They are bound in a mellow dark walnut brown buckram with decorative gold gilt pictorial symbolism embracing each cover and contrasting gold gilt decor and lettering on the spine.  Wilkinson went to Egypt in 1821, and stayed for 12 years, before returning again in 1842, 1848-1849, and 1855. These sets detail his discoveries from his lengthy initial visit, including excavations at Thebes, and travels into Nubia. His interest in tomb paintings distinguished his research from that of Champollion, who concentrated on hieroglyphs. The U.S. edition is based of the fourth British edition, the first major revision of Wilkinson's masterpiece, by Samuel Birch. Birch was keeper of oriental antiquities at the British Museum. He prepared this edition from notes and manuscript material left by Wilkinson, plus fresh material contributed by himself.  This is an incredible set – very handsome and sophisticated.  All three are in very good condition with some minute shelf wear to the head and tails of the spine.  The interior gutter where the ffep meets the cover has come loose in Volume 1 but it is still attached and not remotely visible from the exterior of the volume. This is a very elegant three volume set with a wealth of information within its pages – not to mention the vivid colorful detailed illustrations.  This set would make the perfect gift for that hard to buy for someone.Striving For ExcellenceIt isn’t brilliance or just getting the breaks,It is consistent attention to & honest respect for the Customer.

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