A Commemorative Catalogue of the Exhibition of Italian Art, Royal Academy, Burlington House, 1930, 2 Vols

A Commemorative Catalogue of the Exhibition of Italian Art, held in the Galleries of the Royal Academy, Burlington House, London, January-March 1930; 2 Volumes Complete - Text and Plates.

Edited by Lord Balniel and Kenneth Clark, in consultation with Ettore Modigliani.

Published by Oxford University Press, London: Humphrey Milford, 1931, first edition.

A very large, beautifully produced, 2 volume set supporting this exhibition. The first volume with the Text, and the second with the Plates. A high quality set of books, printed on high quality paper stock.

A near fine set of green cloth hardbacks with very slight rubbing and just a little fading along the lower edge. Corners are still crisp and the green colour has been beautifully retained thanks to the dustjackets. A few mottled marks to the rear fo the text volumes, although looks like a slight production flaw as they are smooth. No fading to spine.

The dustjackets (usually absent with this set) are in good condition with fading and wear to extremities, including nibbled edges.

Spine of the Plates volume is slightly cocked - not surprising due to the size and weight of this book. Joints are intact and secure. Binding is sound. This is a very heavy, substantial work. Rough cut edges to vertical and lower edges of text block, as issued.

Some mild age spotting and offsetting to the blank endpapers, but text and plates are nice and clean throughout - beautifully presented, and an impressive set. Taking inflation into account, this set would have retailed for the equivalent of over £500 in today's money.

Text in English.

Text: xxvii + 350pp;

Plates: xiii + CCLII Plates.

Dimensions: Each volume approximately 365mm high x 295mm wide x 45-75mm deep.

Weight: Approximately 8.8kg (the set - unpacked).