A Disquisition Upon Etruscan Vases; Displaying their Probable Connection with the Shows at Eleusis, and the Chinese Feast of Lanterns.with Explanation of a Few of the Principle Allegories Depicted Upon Them.

Folio (380 x 270mm). vi, [1] 99pp. Engraved vignette on title, 17 plates, including one double-page, engraved vignettes ( slight margin edge browning). Contemporary blind-stamped calf, raised bands gilt turn-ins, {light wear} marbled fore edges, Baronial Book-Plate. FIRST EDITION, IMPORTANT PRESENTATION COPY, with good wide margins, inscribed on verso of title: "To T. Lister Parker Esq. from the author". (English Antiquary, 1779 - 1858, Parker succeeded to the Browsholme Estate in 1797. Elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 1801 and afterwards Fellow of the Royal Society, liberal patron of Artists) The work was Published Privately by James Christie, antiquary and auctioneer, " in only 100 copies which he distributed to his friends . Christie's interest in Greek vases was sparked by his friendship with Charles Towneley; he also produced a catalogue of Thomas Hope's vases. The examples discussed in this work are in fact from Hope's collection and from that of the British Museum" (Blackmer). Blackmer 347. Excellent Copy, Rare Title.…