CARTER, John. Specimens of the Ancient Sculpture and Painting, now remaining in this Kingdom, from the earliest period to the reign of Henry ye VIII consisting of Statues, Bassorelievos, Brasses &c. Paintings on Glass and on Walls &c. a description of each subject, some of which by Gentlemen of Leterary [sic] abilities, and well versed in the Antiquities of this Kingdom whose names are prefixed to their Essays. This Work is designed to shew the Rise & Progress of Sculpture and Painting in England, to explain obscure and doubtful parts of History, and preserve the Portraits of great and eminent Personages. The Drawings mad from the original Subjects and Engrave’d by Iohn Carter.Published as the act directs by John Carter Wood St. Westminster.November ye 1st 1780 First Edition, published in parts, [1780-1787] now bound two vols in one. Vol I:[4] (iv) [2] Pp60 [blank between vols] Vol II: [4](iv) Pp70. Engraved Frontis and Title page with a further 57 plates [some of which coloured]to each volume. Vol.II dated "Jany. 1st. 1787", but the dates of the plates in Vol.I range from 1780-86, in vol.2 from 1787-94. With a list of subscribers to each vol. Both volumes completely unsigned throughout and plates unnumbered . Recently bound in half calf with marbled boards, new endpapers. Blind stamped spine in six compartments with black label gilt; “Carter Sculpt.” Approx 45cm x 30 cm x 7 cm elephant folio sized volume. Condition is generally Very Good, with the plates, which are mainly printed on very heavy paper stock remaining in the majority crisp and clean. The text pages, on thinner paper, show more signs of toning and offsetting in places, with some pages darkened. This is an extraordinary and very uncommon work; we have never seen another copy offered for sale.