Georg & Cie

Very rare first edition of the principal work by archaeologist and anthropologist Ernest Chantre (1843–1924), specialist of the Caucasus.

Spine of the first volume  restored and replaced; a vertical scratch to the upper cover of volume one; some lacks to several spine-ends; some foxing; occasional lacks to the boards; a tear with some leather lacking to the rear endpaper of vol. 4.

This foundational work is composed of four parts in five volumes:

I. Prehistoric period, with in-text illustrations, a colour map, two tissue-guarded portrait plates, and six lithographs with facing captions. –

II–III. Protohistoric period, illustrated with 78 lithographs numbered I–LXVII (including 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 19, 20, 22, 30 and 36 bis), each with facing captions. –

IV. Historic period, with 29 lithographs on a tinted background, each with a facing caption (except plates XXVII and XXVIII). –

V. Contemporary populations, with 31 plates and a large folding colour map.

Illustrated edition with 13 original lithographs by Charles Guérin, one of 10 numbered copies on old Japan paper, deluxe issue.
Full hazelnut morocco binding, spine very slightly faded with four raised bands, date at foot, gilt rolls on caps, frame of a gilt fillet on the mint morocco endpapers, almond watered silk pastedowns, following endpapers of handmade paper, double gilt fillets on edges, covers and spine preserved, all edges gilt, slipcase with hazelnut morocco entry, handmade paper boards, blue felt lining, elegant binding signed by Klein.
Our copy as stipulated in the print justification, is indeed complete with its suite on China paper.
Moreover, our copy is expanded with an original drawing signed in pencil by Charles Guérin representing the composition illustrating page 13.
Very handsome copy perfectly executed.