Roma (Rome): Agostino Valentini 1836-37

2 volumes in one. Volume 1 Engraved title, (3) + 80pp. 56 plates . Volume 2 engraved title 90 pp. 80 plates. In total 136 plates including one oversized folding engraving. Publisher's Morocco with gilt spine lettering and marbled boards. Some edge wear else very good. Text in Italian. The engravings provide extensive coverage of the numerous sculptures and wall paintings in the interior of the building, as well as ground plans and perspective views supported by text in Italian. The first of the series of books on the basilicas of Rome but stands alone as a fabulous document for this building. Iti s the cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome, who is the Pope. Alessandro Galilei completed the late Baroque façade of the Archbasilica in 1735 which survives today and which is documented in the book. The book forms the first in the series proposed by the author as " Le Quattro principali basiliche di Roma," which document the four papal basilicas of Rome. Each volume stands alone as a monograph on an individual building.