The Antiquities of Ireland [Complete with 260 engravings, illustrating the Pagan – Celtic – Druidic Antiquities of Ireland – “The plans were taken from original drawings in the collection of the Right Honourable William Conyngham [William Cunningham]”. With a Preface by Edward Ledwich.
First Edition (Original – Vintage – 18th century Edition). Two Volumes (complete set). Dublin, Printed for S.Hooper, 1791. Large Octavo (19.5 cm x 27.5 cm). Pagination / Collation: Volume I: Frontispiece, engraved titlepage, XL, 88, VIII pages, interleaved with 135 plates (as called for) / Volume II: Frontispiece, engraved titlepage, XV, 98, VI pages, interleaved with 125 plates (as called for). Hardcover / Modern, beautifully and professionally restored and rebacked original 18th-century,irish bindings with gilt orament to boards and new lettering and ornament on spine. During the restoration, the original endpapers were retained. Several plates with a faded dampstain, only one plate (planche 79 in Volume II) with a minor tear. A wonderful, magnificent set with some patina to pages and plates. The plates overwhelmingly beautiful and most of them in excellent condition.