![MAJOR, Thomas 1(720-1799). Les ruines de Pæstum, ou de Posidonie, dans la Grande Grece. Traduit de l’Anglais [by Jacques Varennes]. London: J. Dixwell for T. Major, [1768].](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2016/CKS/2016_CKS_12138_0350_000(major_thomas_1_les_ruines_de_paestum_ou_de_posidonie_dans_la_grande_gr070845).jpg?w=1)
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MAJOR, Thomas 1(720-1799). Les ruines de Pæstum, ou de Posidonie, dans la Grande Grece. Traduit de l’Anglais [by Jacques Varennes]. London: J. Dixwell for T. Major, [1768].
2º (580 x 380mm). 25 engraved plates numbered to 24, engraved royal arms, 5 engraved vignettes. List of subscribers, and a final leaf listing Thomas Major’s engravings. (Title slightly soiled, light browning to text and plates, occasionally heavier.) Contemporary calf-backed, comb-marbled boards (covers scuffed, spine label torn, rather worn).
FIRST FRENCH EDITION. The temples at Paestum were almost unknown until their rediscovery in 1746; the first publication on them, in French, only appeared in 1764. Major's work was far more ambitious than any previous survey. The appearance of a French as well as an English edition suggests that there was not just a waiting French audience but a growing international interest in Greek Doric architecture. Blackmer 1065; Brunet III, 1329; Cicognara 2680; Fowler 157; Harris 539; RIBA 2008.
2º (580 x 380mm). 25 engraved plates numbered to 24, engraved royal arms, 5 engraved vignettes. List of subscribers, and a final leaf listing Thomas Major’s engravings. (Title slightly soiled, light browning to text and plates, occasionally heavier.) Contemporary calf-backed, comb-marbled boards (covers scuffed, spine label torn, rather worn).
FIRST FRENCH EDITION. The temples at Paestum were almost unknown until their rediscovery in 1746; the first publication on them, in French, only appeared in 1764. Major's work was far more ambitious than any previous survey. The appearance of a French as well as an English edition suggests that there was not just a waiting French audience but a growing international interest in Greek Doric architecture. Blackmer 1065; Brunet III, 1329; Cicognara 2680; Fowler 157; Harris 539; RIBA 2008.
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