The Palace of Minos.

£6,500 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

A handsome first edition of Evans' vast work of over 3000 pages recording one of the most important excavations in the history of archaeology, which also serves as an encyclopaedia of the whole range of Minoan culture known up to that time. Sir Arthur Evans (1851-1941) dedicated his life to the study of the Aegean civilisation and was a pioneer of Bronze Age archaeology. The index was compiled by the author's sister, herself a distinguished archaeologist, Dr. Joan Evans. First editions throughout; 5 vols bound in 7, 4to (25.5 x 19.5); approximately 952 illustrations (many full-page), 35 colour plates, 69 supplementary plates, 11 large plans in pockets at end of volumes, library bookplates to pastedowns with withdrawn stamps; publisher's gilt decorated blue cloth, with gilt motifs and borders to boards and spines, shelf mark stamps to spines in gilt, top edges gilt, a little wear to extremities, spines a little faded, a very good set.

• Binding: Hardcover

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