SAUSSURE, Horace-Benedict de (1740-1799) - Voyage dans les Alpes précédes d'un essai sur l'histoire naturelle des environs de Geneve. Neuchatel, Geneva: Samuel Fauche, Barde, Manget & Comp., 1780-86.   The octavo edition of the first four volumes of the work by Saussure, considered the founder of mountaineering, containing the description of his seven alpine journeys and his scientific observations. Studies on the mountain climate and meteorological observations are also of considerable importance. Volumes 5-8 were published only in 1796.   4 volumes (of 8), 8vo (204 x 125mm). 13 (of 16?) engraved plates including an unnumbered plate of Lake Geneva, 6 folding tables (restorations on the outer margin of plate 2 of the first volume, plate 7 of the first volume cropped, some tiny marginal tears also affecting plates, occasional browning and light foxing). Contemporary half-calf, gilt decorations and title on spine labels, red edges (some rubbing and staining). Provenance: Morozzo della Rocca (armorial bookplate on endpaper). (4)

Estimate € 200 - 300

Sold € 350