The Ruins of Gour,

£9,500 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

A scarce work containing eighteen intricate hand-coloured plates depicting the ruins of Gour. This was the first full publication of Creighton's drawings of the captivating ruins, and the first monograph to attempt to rediscover the ruined city. Henry Creighton (born 1764-1807) was a Scottish adventurer who pioneered the research on the antiquarian remains of the medieval city of Gour. He rose from mercantile assistant at the age of 19 to Manager of the Guamalati indigo factory, situated next to Gour. He spent his time sketching the ruins and collecting small inscriptions and carvings from the site to prevent them being plundered for other buildings. This work was published with the intention of the profits supporting his widow and children. First edition; 4to (300 x 240 mm): folding hand-coloured engraved map as frontispiece, 18 aquatint plates by T. Medland after Creighton, 15 of which are hand-coloured, without half-title, armorial bookplate to pastedown, ownership inscription to front free endpaper, stamp to reverse of title removed causing three small holes to title, couple small tears to map folds repaired and reinforced, plates clean; contemporary full calf rebacked with original spine laid down, later gilt lettering piece, corners repaired, inner hinges reinforced, a very good copy internally; iii, 12, [36]pp. Abbey (Travel), 438.

• Binding: Hardcover

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