Pompeii AD 79

First edition hardcover, which is inscribed by the author. Beautifully illustrated and includes an original engraving by Arthur Secunda (see photos). Limited to 2,950 copies, this being number 371. Bound in full leather, with watered silk endpapers. Book is in amazing condition for a 42-year-old book with only slight sings of shelf wear on exterior and slight fading on inside covers (see photos). This is a beautiful book. Seller will carefully wrap book in bubble wrap, box it, and ship it with tracking.

This is the story of man's restoration of Pompeii to the world from the earliest excavations to the most recent soundings. Each step of the archaeological history brought about a clearer picture of life as it was. The discoveries also had their impact on the times -- "Pompeian fever" swept 18th and 19th century Europe. This is also the story of the men who dominated the digs -- the initial probings of Prince d'Elbeuf, the adventures -- amorous and otherwise -- of the Hamiltons, and of the dedicated Italians such as Fiorelli and Spinazzola who eventually brought systematic order to the digs. As a pictorial reinforcement to the text, the book presents a display of views and overviews, reconstructions and artistic interpretations, line drawings and etchings, engravings, vintage photography, and contemporary photographs. .