MASPERO, Gaston Camille Charles, and RAPPOPORT, A.S. History of Egypt, Chaldea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria. London: The Grolier Society, (1903-06). Twelve volumes. Royal octavo, publisher's three-quarter green morocco, raised bands, elaborately gilt-decorated spines with red morocco onlays, top edges gilt. Many pages unopened. 

Deluxe limited “Connoisseur Edition” of this esteemed history of Egypt and the Middle East, number 103 of only 200 copies printed on Japan vellum and richly illustrated with over 1200 plates and in-text illustrations, including dozens of fine gravures in double-suite and 26 finely hand-colored plates, including the frontispiece of each volume. Very handsomely bound. The principal work of this set is an English translation of Maspero's Histoire ancienne des peuples de l'Orient classique (1895), here translated in nine volumes. Three volumes are dedicated to Rappoport's three-volume History of Egypt from 330 BC to the modern era. Missing the 13th volume, often not present. 

In these 12 richly illustrated volumes, Maspero and Rappoport present an intimate acquaintance with the history of Egypt and the Nile Valley, Assyria and Babylonia, as well as the literature and culture of these regions. The illustrations offer a comprehensive picture of Egyptian culture, depicting early forms of writing and painting, ancient relief sculpture and statuary, pottery and weaponry, and other cultural artifacts. Also with plans of the ancient cities, diagrams of royal tombs and numerous maps of historic sites. Issued simultaneously in three limited editions. 

Plates and text fine; a few volumes unopened or partially so; leather deteriorating and in need of restoration on a few volumes; some hinges cracked; plastic covers were custom-made by previous owner; he had taped some of them and the tape residue rubbed off on a few endpages; fading to covers of some volumes, including entirely to volume 9; Maspero volumes 1, 2, and 9 covers detached, back cover to volume 5 detached; Rappoport back cover to volume 1 detached, tape residue to covers; large gash missing from cover of Maspero volume 2; dampstaining to end of Maspero volume 3; Rappoport volume 3 front cover loose and nearly detached; additional rubbing/wear/etc.