Lefebure, Charlemagne Théophile, and others.

First edition, 2 atlas volumes (only, Zoologie and Album Historique, see footnote), folio (480 x 315mm.), 92 lithographed or engraved plates (40 + 52), 2 folding, 66 hand-coloured, 2 text leaves only (title and table in Zoologie), modern red half calf, [Nissen ZBI 2420], zoologique with title, table des planches and 2 plates (mammals no.5 and 6) with large section at inner margin restored with loss, some spotting, first 3 leaves stained at head in margin, historique lacking 7 plates, occasional spotting, last plate very browned, 2 others (first and penultimate less so), one folding plate with tear in image repaired and slight surface wear; the lot sold not subject to return

The first detailed scientific survey of Ethiopia, distinguished by some fine plates, compiled by an expedition under the auspices of the French admiralty between 1839 and 1843. The complete work comprises 9 volumes in total, 6 of text and 3 atlases. The atlases are Zoologique (40 plates), Historique (map and 59) and Botanique (103).

This collection of plates comprises the complete set of Zoologie (40, all hand-coloured) and 52 (of 59) from Album historique, ethnologique et archéologique (comprising 17 views and scenes, 13 figure studies, 5 of artefacts, 2 panoramas, 14 archaeological and one of fossils).