Francis Cranmer Penrose. An investigation of the principles of Athenian architecture, or the results of a recent survey conducted chiefly with reference to the optical refinements exhibited in the construction of the ancient buildings of Athens, by Francis Cranmer Penrose, Archt. Illustrated by numerous engravings. Published by The Society of Dilettanti, London: Printed by W. Nicol, Shakespeare Press, Longman and Co. and John Murray. 1851. Rare first edition. Folio. 39 x 55 cm. Contemporary binding in cardboard, cloth spine with a leather tag with title. Text completely detached from the spine. 101 pp. Frontispiece and 41 plates. Of the plates, 37 are engraved, 5 chromolithographed, and one folding. List of members of the Society of the Dilettanti after the title page. Some foxing affecting the plates The Dilettante Society or Dilettanti (Society of Dilettanti) is an English society of gentry and scholars that sponsored the study of ancient Greek and Roman art and the creation of new works in this style. Although the exact date is unknown, the Society is thought to have been established as a dining club in London in 1732. It is believed to have been founded in London in 1734 by a group of people who had made the Grand Tour. In 1743, Horace Walpoch, the founder of the Society, was a member of the Society. In 1743, Horace Walpole condemned their affectation and described them as a ‘club of drunks who had been to Italy.’ The society soon became wealthy through the use of the Society of the Grand Tour. This society soon became wealthy through a system of contributions from its members, money earmarked for sponsoring archaeological expeditions. It funded archaeology with Richard Chandler, William Pars and Nicholas Revett. The results were published in The Antiquities of Athens and Ionian Antiquities, a major influence on the birth of British neoclassicism.