A first edition copy of Sir William Hamilton's (1730-1803) Account of the Discoveries at Pompeii, as communicated to the Society of Antiquities of London. Published by W. Bowyer & J. Nichols, 1777.

Hamilton frequented the excavations of Herculaneum and Pompeii and his interest in antiquity and role as an ambassador played a major part in introducing the cities as major attractions to travelers. ESTC locates only five copies worldwide, of which two are located in the U.S. (Getty, Huntington).

4to, 18 pages, XIII leaves of plates (1 folded). The folded plan is of the Temple of Isis.

Disbound. Title-page, final leaf, and all plates perforation-stamped by a now defunct institution. Pages darkened, paper brittle, with occasional chips and short tears.

From the estate and lifelong collection of William Garrett Hodges (1946-2014). Hodges was a Virginia-based dealer of fine arts, with specialization in prints and rare books, having collected for decades. He supplied and consulted various groups on antiquities throughout his career, including the White House, the Vice President's residence, the FBI, and multiple film and television series.