Pascal Xavier Coste (1787-1879)
Monuments modernes de la Perse mesurés, dessinés et décrits. Paris: A. Morel, 1867.
First edition of Coste's rare survey of Persian architecture, including some splendid chromolithographed views. Coste had spent a decade in Egypt engaged in engineering projects for Mehmet Ali before travelling to Persia with his collaborator Eugène Flandin, as part of the French diplomatic mission there in 1839-1841. Coste had previously published Voyage en Perse in collaboration with Flandin. Wilson, p. 49; see Blackmer 415; not in Atabey.

Folio (552 x 420mm). Half-title and title printed in red and black, 71 numbered plans and views on 7 double-page and 49 single-page sheets, 8 of these chromolithographed, 1 aquatint, the rest engraved or engraved and etched, after Coste (variable spotting throughout). Contemporary morocco-backed paper-covered boards (joints rubbed with short splits at head and tail of spine, old repair at foot of front joint, extremities rubbed).

Cyrus Ghashi (ballpoint ownership inscription on front free endpaper dated 18 April 1975, and small discreet stamps in Persian on front and rear flyleaves).

No VAT on hammer price or buyer's premium.
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