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61 - CHAPPE D'AUTEROCHE (Jean). A Journey to Siberia undertaken b…
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Estimate €800 - €1,000
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Description
CHAPPE D'AUTEROCHE (Jean). A Journey to Siberia undertaken by order of the King in 1761; containing The Customs and Practices of the Russians, and the Current State of that Power (Volume 1) and a Description of Kamchatka (Volume 2). First edition of this fascinating account of a journey through Russia, Siberia and Kamchatka, accompanied by an impressive copperplate illustration, in elegant contemporary bindings bearing the coat of arms of the Cardinal de La Rochefoucauld. Paris, Debure, 1768. 2 volumes in 3 folio volumes (260x345 mm), full glazed Lavallière calfskin, ribbed spine, panels decorated with gilt fleurons, title and volume number labels in red and green morocco, covers stamped with the coat of arms of Dominique de La Rochefoucauld within a triple gilt frame, all edges gilt, double gilt line on the edges, interior frieze, linings and endpapers of marbled paper (contemporary binding). XXX, 1 f. (privilegium) and 347 pp.; from 348 to 767 pp.; XVI, 627 pp. and 2 unnumbered folios (errata, note to the bookbinder), 1 allegorical frontispiece engraved by Tilliard after Le Prince, a title vignette, a header vignette drawn and engraved by Moreau, a table of temperatures, 51 plates (out of 53), some of which are double-page spreads, drawn by Le Prince, Caresme de Fécamp, Martinet and Moreau the Younger, and engraved by Bacquoy, Duclos, Launay, Le Bas, Tilliard, as well as 3 maps in volume 2, headbands, initials and tailpieces. The set is rubbed, the caps are fragile, some of the joints are split, including two along their entire length, and the leather-bound covers are soiled or stained. A few minor pinholes, some pages slightly browned. First edition of this important scientific study by Abbé Jean Chappe d'Auteroche (1728–1769) following a journey to Siberia undertaken in 1761 at the request of the Academy of Sciences, of which he was a member, to observe the transit of Venus across the sun. The author presents a body of scientific data (astronomical, mineralogical and geological observations, etc.) as well as a description of the manners, customs and traditions of Russia, of which he paints a particularly bleak picture, prompting a rebuttal attributed to Catherine II. The illustrations include: 1 frontispiece, 1 title vignette, 1 header vignette, a table of temperatures and 51 plates (out of 53), including 4 double-page plates, drawn by Prince Caresme de Fécamp, Martinet and Moreau Le Jeune, and engraved on copper by Bacquoy, Duclos, Launay, Le Bas, and Tilliard, depicting views, landscapes, scenes, and costumes. There are also 3 maps of the courses of the warm rivers in volume 2. Plates 3 and 6 of volume 1 are missing. Without the atlas. [Cohen, 107–108]. From the library of Cardinal de La Rochefoucauld (1712–1800), with his coat of arms stamped in the centre of the covers. Archbishop of Albi and later of Rouen, the latter was elected a deputy to the Estates General of 1789, opposed the Revolution and the Constitution, and refused to take the constitutional oath before emigrating in 1792. Includes a handwritten note regarding the provenance (1 sheet, in-8, double-sided). A rare copy in coats-of-arms bindings, with the interior in very fine condition.
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About the sale Fine antique and collectible books, manuscripts and modern illustrated works
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Auction time 06/29/2026 at 2:00 PM
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