Russia
CHAPPE D'AUTEROCHE, Jean-Baptiste.
A journey into Siberia, made by order of the King of France. Containing an account of the manners and customs of the Russians, the present state of their empire; with the natural history, and geographical description of their country, and level of the road from Paris to Tobolsk.
T. Jefferys, London, 1774. 4to (26.9 x 20.2 cm). xiii, [vii], 395, [i] pp. with a large folding map engraved by T. Jefferys, 9 engraved plates including one engraved by C. Grignion after J.-B. Le Prince and 7 costume plates. Contemporary tree calf, gilt rule to covers, flat spine gilt in compartments, burgundy morocco label lettered in gilt to one; neat repairs to joints and extremities. Provenance: Finborough Library (booklabel on front pastedown).
FINE COPY OF THIS CELEBRATED JOURNEY ACCROSS SIBERIA. The plate engraved after Le Prince in this second English edition shows a lively winter street scene in a village. The French priest and astronomer, abbé Jean-Baptiste Chappe d'Auteroche, travelled to Siberia in 1761 to observe the transit of Venus. In addition his account of the journey describes the meteorology, climate, fauna and minerals of the region, and also gives a sociological commentary.
Price: £ 1750
US Dollar Price: $ 3470
Stock Number: 70220