POLEHAMPTON, Edward, Rev. (1777?-1830). The Gallery of Nature and Art; or, A Tour through Creation and Science. London: for R. Wilks for Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy; et al, 1817.
6 volumes, royal 8vo (229 x 146 mm). Numerous engraved plates, some folding (some marginal spotting, light offsetting from plates to text). Half contemporary straight-grain olive morocco, marbled sides, 5 compartments divided by several gilt fillets, gilt-lettering in 3, ends with ornate devices gilt, marbled edges (spines sunned, extremities a bit rubbed).
RARE SECOND EDITION, first published in 1815. A beautifully illustrated work showing some of the most impressive discoveries in nature and science, most notably Stonehenge, Mount Vesuvius erupting, the Great Sphinx before the body was discovered beneath the sand that same year (1817), and many other curiosities.