DESGODETZ, Antoine (1653-1728). Les Edifices antiques de Rome. Paris: Jean Baptiste Coignard, 1682. An important contemporary Morocco binding copy, from the Ashburner collection, of the first edition of this fundamental work for the history of the archaeological monuments of Rome. The author, a student at the Académie Royale d'Architecture, was sent to Rome in 1674 to measure and describe the classical ruins, of which 25 are included in this publication, produced with the support of Minister Colbert, to whom the work is dedicated. The precision of Desgodetz's measurements and care in his drawings remained unmatched for a long time, marking a milestone in the study of Roman architecture. The copy comes from the collection of Walter Ashburner (1864-1936) a professor of law at Oxford and a refined bibliophile. Folio, (428 x 283mm). Engraved title page, 137 engraved engraved plates by Chastillon, Sebastien Le Clerc and Pautre including several double-page, engraved initials and headpieces (title page and first leaves browned, plates slightly browned). Contemporary French red morocco binding with uncompleted heraldic shield surmounted by a crest printed in gilt on both boards, gilt decoration and title to spine, gilt edges (light wear). Walter Ashburner 'ownership stamp to colophon'. (1)