The Holy Land – David Roberts – Three Volumes – London, 1855-1856 – 250 Prints

The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt & Nubia, after lithographs by Louise Haghe from drawings made on the spot by David Roberts, R.A. London: Day & Son, 1855-1856. Six parts in three volumes. English. First quarto edition.
"The Holy Land", six parts in three volumes containing 248 lithographs after paintings by David Roberts and two engraved maps presenting the route of Roberts' travels throughout the Near East. The prints are accompanied by descriptions; in parts I-III by George Croly and in parts IV-VI by William Brockedon.
The lithographs depict structures, ruins, churches, mosques, towns, landscapes and sites holy to the different religions throughout Palestine, Syria and Lebanon, the Transjordan and Egypt. Lithographic title page precedes each part.
At the beginning of the first volume is an impressive handwritten and illuminated dedication, to Mr. Thomas Smith: "Presented… by the male teachers of Sion Sunday School, as a token of esteem, for the very courteous and faithful manner in which… he has discharged his duties thereof" (Halifax, 1860).
Three volumes, in fine red bindings, with gilt impressions. Gilt edges.
Volume I (parts 1-2): [1] dedication leaf, [3] leaves, 35 pp, [23] leaves + 44 plates; [1] leaf, 3 pp, [22] leaves + 45-87 plates. Volume II (parts 3-4): 3 pp, [19] leaves + 88-126 plates; [1] leaf, 9 pp, [22] leaves + 127-168 plates. Volume III (sections 5-6): [23] leaves + 169-212 plates; [20] leaves + 213-250 plates. 29 cm. Volumes I and III are in good-fair condition. Repairs with low-grade binding tape, affecting several plates. Stains. Minor worming. Blemishes and tears to bindings. Volume II has a different binding and is in good condition. Stains. Pen notation on the inside front binding. Minor blemishes to binding.