WITH DOZENS OF HALF-TONE ILLUSTRATIONS OF THEBES

(GREECE) CAPART, Jean and WERBROUK, Marcelle. Thèbes. La Gloire d'un Grand Passé. Brussels: Chez Vromant, 1925. Large quarto (measuring 10-1/2 by 13 inches), 20th-century blue morocco, elaborately gilt-decorated spine, raised bands, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt. Housed in a custom quarter cloth slipcase. $1200.

First edition of this study of the city of Thebes in Ancient Greece, written by accomplished Egyptologist Jean Capart, with the collaboration of Marcelle Werbrouck, with dozens of half-tones depicting Thebes, its major sites, and the archaeological work there, handsomely bound.

This work discusses the archaeological wonders of Thebes. It was written as part of a series for the Fondation Égyptologique Reine Élisabeth, which was founded by the Belgian queen in response to the discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb. The queen chose to visit there to see the tomb in person, accompanied by Jean Capart. Jean Capart was a prominent Egyptologist who, among other accomplishments, directed the excavations at El-Kab. Upon assuming the position of director of the queen's new foundation, Capart immediately undertook a project to expand the Egyptology library at the Brussels Royal Museums of Art and History and to increase understanding of the ancient world in general. This work was among the best to be published for the foundation, due to its unique text and the depth of the research into the Ancient Greek city of Thebes. Text in French.

An exceptional and finely bound copy in very nearly fine condition.