Next up is an item Shapero describes as “one of the most magnificent illustrated books of the eighteenth century.” It is made magnificent by the explosiveness, quite literally, of its subject matter. Item 22 is Campi Phlegraei, by Sir William Hamilton, published in 1776-1779. Campi Phlegraei is an area west of Naples noted for its volcanic activity. Much of it is underwater or islands, but such notable places as Mount Etna and Vesuvius are in the vicinity. Hamilton undertook a serious study of volcanoes, including 22 trips up Mount Vesuvius at a time when it was hard to predict when major eruptions would occur. He wanted to record what was going on up there. Hamilton commissioned Pietro Fabris to create the lavish illustrations accompanying his text. £100,000 (US $161,152).
