London, Paul & Dominic Colnaghi, 1855-1856, three folio volumes (two albums of colored plates [cm. 37 x 56], and a book with the text [cm. 56 x 37]), quarter leather binding with leather corners, gilt lettering and floral decorations at the front covers, gilt ornaments on spine, gardes marbrées. Vol. I: pp. (12) + (12) with 2 lithographic title-pages, and the dedication to “Her Majesty” [Queen Victoria]; vol. II: 39 cromolithographic plates; vol. III: 40 cromolithographic plates (81 plates in total). Almost all the plates are covered by a leaf of tissue paper, on which is printed a description and a small black & white reproduction of the corresponding plate. Simpson (1823-1899) followed the British Army during the Crimean expedition. His water-colors were realized on site, and then transferred on stone by Day & Son's lithographers in London (Haghe, Walker, Needham, Marin, Vinter, etc.). This work constitutes the most popular iconographic setting of the Crimean War of the time. Simpson's lithographies, in fact, were published on various British newspapers, such as the Illustrated London News, and Simpson himself became known as “Crimean Simpson”. Bindings slightly scratched; inside, some restored tears at the white margins, and some light, old water-stains. A very good copy.