Sir Roger Newdigate, 5th Bt., (1719-1806) was one of the 18th century's most renowned antiquaries, and M.P. for Oxford University between 1750-80, where he endowed the Newdigate Prize for English Verse. During his Grand Tour of 1738-40 he made extensive sketches of ancient ruins, one of which was used by Piranesi as the basis for his etching 'A View of the Arch of Aosta' (F. 45; W.-E. 107). This is found in the present volume in the series 'Alcune Vedute di Archi Trionfali...'. Some thirty years later Newdigate purchased from Piranesi two candelabra excavated by Gavin Hamilton from Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli, and etched by Piranesi in his series 'Vasi, Candelabri...ed Ornamenti Antichi', published in Rome in 1778 (F. 623-5, W.-E. 910-2). These are now in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford and provide an interesting reminder of Piranesi's activity in the 1770's as a purveyor of restored, and often fancifully enhanced classical statuary to English milordi, an occupation which provided him with a useful supplementary income with which to continue his publishing ventures.Newdigate's interest in all forms of antiquarianism led him to transform Arbury into what Sir Nikolaus Pevsner considered 'one of the finest examples of the early Gothic Revival in England'. The curious juxtaposition of Sir Roger's extensive collection of classical statues, marbles and vases against elaborate Gothic tracery forms an interesting testament to the diversity of 18th Century taste. The Library, from which this volume is removed, can be seen in the background to Arthur Devis's celebrated portrait of Sir Roger, executed in 1756-8.