Bibliographical Note.-The following is an enumeration of the various editions of this work:-

First Edition (1849).-The title-page was as follows:-

The | Seven Lamps | of | Architecture. | By | John Ruskin, | Author of “Modern Painters.” | With Illustrations, drawn and etched by the Author | London: | Smith, Elder, & Co., 65, Cornhill. | 1849.

Imperial 8vo, pp. xii. +205. The title-page contained the first avowal of the identity of Ruskin with the “Graduate” as the author of Modern Painters. A catalogue of books published by Messrs. Smith, Elder, & Co., which was bound up at the end of the volume, announced The Stones of Venice as being “in preparation.” The Preface occupied pp. v.-viii. (here pp. 3-6); the Notes, pp. 199-205 (for the distribution of these here, see pp. liii., 267). Before p. 1 a slip was inserted in some copies containing the following Errata:-

Page vii., line 11, for “a a a₂” read “a a₂.”

” ” line 13, for “a a a₂” read “a a₂.”

” 50, bottom line, for “si,” read “is.”

” 54, line 7,}

” 55, line 16,}for “Plate IX.,” read “Plate X.”

” 58, line 18, for “e d,” read “c d.”

” 81, line 12, for “Plate I. fig. 2” read “Plate I. fig. 3.”

” 92, line 23, for “east” read “west.”

” 101, line 5 from bottom, for “effects” read “affects.”

In Plate X. in the section, between a and h, for “a₂” read “g₂.”

There were Fourteen Plates, etched by Ruskin’s own hand; collectors should note that every plate of this original series is distinctly signed in the left-hand corner at the foot “J. R. del et sc.”; they are also all lettered at the foot, “Published by Smith, Elder & Co., London.” The volume was issued in embossed and designed cloth boards of a deep claret colour, with the top edge gilt, and lettered up the back (in ornamental letters), “The Seven Lamps of Architecture.” The design and lettering are here reproduced (p. 185). Published on May 10, 1849, at the price of One Guinea. Copies of this first edition have in recent years fetched in the auction-rooms prices ranging from £2, 17s. 6d. to £5, 5s. according to their condition.

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[Version 0.04: March 2008]