Choiseul-Gouffier, Marie Gabriel comte de

First edition (volume 1 first issue), 2 volumes bound in 3 (volume 2 is in 2 parts), folio (vol.1 500 x 324mm.; vol.2 545 x 350mm.), half-titles, 3 engraved titles, 2 unnumbered double-page maps in volume 1, one portrait in the third volume, and 285 plates and maps on 168 sheets, 9 double-page or folding, elaborate engraved head and tail-pieces, one double-page printed table, volume 1 contemporary calf, spine gilt with red and green labels, other volumes uniform contemporary (presumably original) boards and uncut, [Atabey 241; Blackmer 342], occasional slight spotting or slight staining, vol.1 plate 54 lower margin extended, plate 55 cut down and mounted, plate 72 slightly stained (and adjacent text leaf with minor repair), vol.1 binding somewhat rubbed, other vol. lacking spines (but with portion, including most of printed labels, loosely inserted)

V.A. Fauconneau-Dufresne, docteur en médicine, book labels

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Choiseul-Gouffier travelled with the artist Jean-Baptiste Hilaire to the Levant in 1776. The author's unreserved admiration for Greece and its people, combined with the skill of Hilaire's recreation of its topography and costume was received with great enthusiasm by the French public. On its appearance in 1782 the work was so successful that in 1784 Choiseul-Gouffier was appointed ambassador to Constantinople. A second volume appeared in 1809 and a third (i.e. volume 2, part 2) was published posthumously in 1822. The work is particularly notable for its plates, including as they do fine views, architectural details, accurate maps and head and tailpieces. Despite the title there is considerable information and good illustrations of Turkey and Constantinople.

Because Choiseul-Gouffier’s work was published over a relatively long period of time, copies are often found with at least the third volume bound later, very often differently. In this case the first volume is in contemporary calf whilst the other two are uniformly bound in boards, and uncut.