Russia.- Stroganov (Sergei Grigorevich) Drevnosti Rossiskago Gosudarstva, 5 vol. text bound in 1 and 6 plate vol. in 5, together 11 vol. in 6, text with some spotting, contemporary morocco-backed boards, plate vol.1 with additional title in English: Antiquities of the Russian Empire. Published by Imperial Command. Description of the Plates translated by W.S.Mirrielees...and R.Harrison..., London 1855 (Reprinted 1892), chromolithographed decorative titles in Russian and additional general title in French, lithographed lists of plates in French and letterpress lists in English, 508 magnificent plates with captions in Russian and French by Feodor Grigoriev Solnstev (112, 101, 147, 37, 72 & 39 per volume respectively), mostly chromolithographed, some heightened with gold, occasional foxing, light water-staining at beginning of each volume affecting titles of first volume but otherwise marginal, handsomely bound in contemporary green morocco, gilt, by F.Bedford, covers elaborately tooled with borders of rules, floral rolls and corner-pieces, spines gilt in compartments with floral tooling and six raised bands, g.e., a little rubbed at edges but a fine set, folio, 1849-53 and 1892.

⁂ Magnificent work documenting Russian life and society through its regal, domestic and ecclesiastical objects and treasures including jewels, costumes, weapons and armour, commissioned by A.N.Olenin, President of the Academy of Arts and Director of the Public Library, and approved by Tsar Nicholas I.