A Facsimile of Christian Almer's Führerbach (Extremely Rare Presentation Edition)

SOLD

Presentation copy given to the Oriental Club Library. Signed by Cunningham. Number 7 of only 68 copies that made it to publication, an incredibly rare volume of immense historical and collector value.

Bound in original brown publisher's buckram. Titling to spine in gilt on brown Morocco plates. All edges gilt. Reproduced under the superintendence of C. D. Cunningham and Capt. W. W. Abney. With an introduction and photogravure of Christian Almer. 

Christian Almer (1826-1898) became one of the foremost alpine guides of his generation. His career was distinguished by the number of first ascents he made - the Monch, the Eiger, the Aiguille Verte, and Les Droites on the Mont Blanc massif, among others. his Führerbuch - a record of statements made by the climbers he guided in the Alps - "is to mountaineers probably the most interesting manuscript volume relating to the Alps which exists" (Cunningham's introduction, p.v). Among those who recorded their climbs with him are Edward Whymper, H.B. George, Leslie Stephen, W.A.B. Coolidge, A.W. Moore, G.S. Struder, and Francis F. Tuckett.

The publication of this book caused controversy amongst Alpine circles at the time. Particularly, between the editors and W.A.B. Coolidge, who features prominently in the Führerbuch. Due to this confrontation, of the small original print run of 200 copies, only 68 made it to publication, with the other 132 being destroyed along with the printing plates. Of these surviving copies, it is unknown how many now survive, and copies coming to market is now a rare occurrence.

Overall condition: very good. Some rubbing to covers, edges, and corners. A touch of wear to spine creases. Edge gilt remains bright and bold. Contents generally bright, clean, and fresh. Retains original frontis tissue guard, somewhat toned. Ex-libris bookplate of the Oriental Club pasted to FBEP, this is the only library present. W. Williams signature pencilled to FFEP.

Provenance: From the library of Warwick H. Williams. Ex-Libris bookplate of the Oriental Club Library carrying author's signature on FBEP. W. Williams blind stamp to title.

First Limited Edition (7/200). London: Sampson, Low, Marston, & Company, 1896. 8vo. Original tan publisher's cloth. Pages: [ii], frontispiece, xxxii, 261.

This book is currently not on display in store.

If you would like more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact: rarebooks@harryhartog.com.au