(San Francisco: Jean Chambers Moore, 1927, an edition of 150), the complete portfolio of 18 photographs, each signed 'A. E. Adams' or 'Ansel E. Adams' in pencil and with the letterpress title in the margin, in individual letterpress title wrappers, 1920s, printed in 1927; together with the letterpress title, colophon, dedication to Albert M. Bender, and plate list. Small folio, modern gilt-lettered black cloth portfolio with gold silk lining, one of a projected edition of 150 of which approximately 75 sets were completed

Lunn Gallery/Graphics International Ltd., 1970s 

These luminous photographs exhibit all of the rich tonality and exceptional detail characteristic of well-preserved 'Parmelian' prints. The highlights remain bright and creamy, and the darkest areas are deep charcoal black. The prints are in generally excellent condition. On some of the plates are the following: scattered deposits of original retouching, and occasional minor creases in the margins. As is customary with Parmelian Prints, the margin edges are softly curled. The plates are as follows: Sierra Junipers The Abode of Snow Monolith, The Face of Half Dome From Glacier Point: The right margin is slightly darkened. On the Heights A Grove of Tamarack Pine: The upper right margin corner is slightly darkened. Mount Galen Clark 8 by 6 in. Mount Clarence King 8 by 6 in. Roaring River Falls: There is a tiny rust-colored deposit in the lower right margin corner. Marion Lake: This print is very slightly warmer in tonality than the others. El Capitan Banner Peak, Thousand Island Lake: Extremely faint silvering is visible in raking light in the darkest areas at the periphery of the image. There is a small brown deposit of indeterminate nature in the upper right margin corner. Mount Brewer Kearsarge Pinnacles The Sentinel: This print is very slightly warmer in tonality in the left portion of the image than the others. Lower Paradise Valley East Vidette Cloud and Mountain The letterpress wrappers and front matter are clean. Some of the wrappers are slightly age-darkened at the edges, and/or exhibit offsetting from the prints on the interior.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.