[D'ENTRECASTEAUX, Antoine Raymond Joseph de Bruni (1739-1793)] - Voyage de Dentrecasteaux envoyé a la recherche de la Pérouse. Paris: Imprimerie Imperiale, 1808.   First edition of the report of the expedition commissioned by Louis XVI to find the ships commanded by Jean-François de La Pérouse (1741-1788) which were lost in the southern seas after the stop in Australia in 1788. Despite the French Revolution, two ships of rescue were sent, symbolically renamed La Recherche and L'Esperance and commanded by D'Entrecasteaux. Unfortunately, during the navigation, D'Entrecasteaux lost his life, and the search mission ended without any news on the fate of La Pérouse's ships. This account was published by Rear Admiral Rossel (1765-1829) based on the diaries and papers of the crew members.   Just 2 text volumes (without atlas), 4to (301 x 230mm). Half-title, printer's device on title, 32 engraved plates in the first volume and one in the second one (3F4 with small marginal tear restored, some foxing, light waterstains). Modern half-calf, gilt titles and decorations on spines, partially unopened (minor scratches). Provenance: Leopoldo Della Porta (bookplate on endpaper). (2)

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