First Folio Edition (1976). Profusely illustrated throughout with ninety-four colour and black and white illustrations including full-page colour frontispiece showing: The Eruption of Vesuvius, 8 August, 1779.
 
Near fine condition in cream-marbled paper-covered boards with gilt titles to brown spine and large gilt decorative front board showing a dramatic image of a Pompeiian's face in flames. Blue and black printed front and rear pastedowns and free endpapers showing "Mont Vesuvius two Leagues from Naples," with the front endpapers depicting "The volcano that Burnt in Pliny's time" and "The Great Eruption in 1631" etc., with the rear endpapers depicting "Veduta del Corso della laura eruttata Dal Monte Vesuvio l'Anno 1751 all 'Atrio del Cauallo."
 
No inscriptions. All of the pages are clean, with no foxing. The book is in its original fragile glassine dustwrapper which is slightly creased, nicked and rubbed at edges. No slipcase, as issued by the Folio Society at the time.