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93 - BELIDOR (Bernard Forest de). Architecture Hydraulique, ou l'…
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Estimate €1,500 - €1,800
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Description
BELIDOR (Bernard Forest de). Architecture Hydraulique, ou l'art de conduire, d'élever et de ménager les eaux pour les différents besoins de la vie. First edition of this rare and beautiful treatise on hydraulic architecture, a lengthy work by the military engineer Bernard Forest de Bélidor (1698-1761). Paris, Charles-Antoine Jombert, 1737-1770. 2 parts in 4 vol. in-4, full marbled fawn calf, guilloched spines decorated with gilt fleurons and small fleurons, red ochre titles with gilt titles and tomaison, guilloched headpieces, double gilt fillet at the edges, red edges. 3 ff.n.ch - XII - 412 pp. ; 3 ff.n.ch. - 424 - XXVIII pp ; 2 ff.n.ch. - XIV pp. - 1 f.n.c. - 412 - XXXI pp. 1 f.n.c. and VIII - 480 - XXXVII pp. 1 pl.n.c. - 1 f.n.c., 2 frontispieces (tomes I and IV), 219 folding plates, 6 headbands, one engraved lettering and numerous culs-de-lampe. Slight rubbing and spotting, rare foxing and pencil annotations throughout, a few browned leaves in the second volume. 219 plates. Volumes III and IV (second part) are entitled "l'art de diriger les eaux de la mer & des rivières à l'avantage de la défense des Places, du Commerce & et l'Agriculture". Volume IV is dated 1770 (the pagination of the body of the volume is based on the first printing of 1753). No fewer than 219 folding copper plates are scattered throughout these four volumes, which were collaborated on by one of the finest engravers of his time, Jacques Rigaud (1680-1753), who signed two of the six headbands as well as the two frontispieces. This "fine edition of an esteemed work" (Brunet, I, 740) is not confined to pure hydraulics, and includes topics such as military defence. It offers an unparalleled overview of the already highly advanced state of technology, and is a pleasing testament to French genius. A major work of engineering in very good condition and complete. Brunet, I, 740; Archives.org; Gallica. Provenance: Librairie Etienne Cluzel.
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About the sale Prestige sale - Antiquarian and collectible books
Auction location
Auction time 06/15/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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