Lot 140
Chambers, Ephraim
Cyclopaedia: or, an Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences
Auction: 16 June 2026 from 10:00 BST
Description
London: printed for J. F. and C. Rivington [et al.], 1786-9. [New edition], 5 volumes, folio (41 x 25cm), contemporary diced russia binding, Greek-key roll gilt to sides, spine richly gilt in compartments with morocco labels, engraved frontispiece to volume 1, folding plate in volume 3, volume 5 containing addenda and plates (in this set there are 152 plates in volume 5, none folded, and without the 6 type specimen leaves), some scuffing to the boards of volume 5, corner tips worn and bumped, internally very clean [corresponds most closely to ESTC T136236 and T136237] (5)
Provenance
From the collection of the late Professor Roland Paxton MBE FICE FRSE (1932-2025), 'Britain's foremost historian of civil engineering' (Telegraph, obituary, 12 November 2025); Professor Paxton was also a leading conservationist of Britain's engineering heritage, and led successful campaigns to restore two of the world's most important railway structures, the Laigh Milton Viaduct in Ayrshire, the world's oldest surviving railway bridge, and the Union Chain Bridge, the world's oldest suspension bridge still carrying road traffic.
Footnote
Editions of this work revised by Abraham Rees were issued in parts and individual volumes in all sets often vary in their date and imprint. In this set volume 1 is dated 1788, volume 2 1786, volumes 3-4 1788 and volume 5 1789.