Freycinet, Louis-Claude de Saulces de.

First edition, presentation copy, atlas volume only, folio (560 x 460mm.), engraved title, printed "Table des cartes et plans", and 32 engraved maps, 25 double-page, mounted on guards throughout, original pink wrappers, [Ferguson 536], binding somewhat rubbed and frayed and lacking backstrip

Presentation copy from the author to his father, with engraved calligraphic inscription on the title "A Mon Père Hommage d'Amitié et de Respect. L[ou]is. Freycinet". The title page of this copy, besides the above inscription, varies slightly from earlier impressions in having the wording "Grand Croix de l'Ordre Royal et Militaire de St. Charles" as one of the honours of the Comte Decrès and no longer having "Lesueur delt." beneath the picture of the globe.

Freycinet was part of the Australian exploratory expedition commanded by Nicolas Baudin which embarked in 1800, returning to France in 1804. From 1806 he was charged with preparing the charts and atlas of the voyage, and after the death of Péron in 1810 he took responsibility for completing the history of the voyage (Voyage de découvertes aux Terres Australes, 1807-1816).