A Relation of a Journey to the Glaciers of the Dutchy of Savoy (First Edition)

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Extremely rare early mountaineering volume in highly collectible condition.

Considered to be among the first books detailing an account of a mountaineering expedition. Bourrit made several unsuccessful attempts to climb Mont Blanc.

First Edition. Norwich: Richard Beatniffe, 1775. Small 8vo. Full tan calf with gilt tooling. Pages: [XLVIII], xxi, 264, [ii]. 3 engraved plates. 

Bound in contemporary full tan calf. Raised bands on spine with gilt margins and decorated compartments. Letting to spine in gilt on red Morocco plate. Near fine. Binding likely dates to the original publication date. Calf has some wearing at extremities, otherwise remarkably well preserved. Spine gilt bright. End papers age toned with some minor restoration work done previously. Contents near fine, very scarce markings here and there, some minor foxing on plates. Overall, a remarkably well preserved copy that presents beautifully in a contemporary fine binding.

Full title: A Relation of a Journey to the Glaciers of the Dutchy of Savoy. Translated from the French of M. T. Bourrit, Precentor of the Cathedral Church at Geneva, by C. and F. Davy.

Provenance: From the library of Warwick H. Williams. Two armorial bookplates on FBEP (one partially covering the other). Earlier belonged to George White, Esq., later to Oscar V. Viney.

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