De Luxe edition limited to 500 copies of which this is no. 40. Signed by the author. With original watercolour sketch signed by Menpes bound in to prelims. Quarto; pp. x,221. 100 coloured illustrations taken from the artist s watercolours with tissue guards. White original publisher s cloth with gilt titles and ornate gold and blue decoration to spine and top cover, top edge gilt, bottom edge uncut. Menpes was an Australian-born British painter who studied under Whistler and helped to develop new techniques in the reproduction of coloured artworks. These illustrations were reproduced under his supervision. This is one of a notable series of luxury illustrated travel books by the publisher A and C Black. Spine and top board a little faded, slight rubbing to top of spine, small tears to tissue guard of frontispiece. Original watercolour of arguably the most beautiful city in the world bright and delicate.