Gaimard, Paul

FIRST EDITION, 3 volumes (of more, see footnote), folio (540 x 355mm.), comprising Atlas historique, 2 volumes, 2 titles with lithographed vignettes and 151 lithographed plates on india paper, printed plate lists in both volumes; Atlas zoologique, médical et géographique, 1 volume, title with lithographed vignette, 49 lithographed plates (including 4 plans at end), 35 hand-coloured, no plate list, together bound in uniform contemporary green morocco-backed boards, title and plate lists spotted, occasional spotting in Atlas zoologique, one title loose, bindings rubbed; sold not subject to return

Fiske Collection pp.171-2; Sabin 26330

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."

Paul Gaimard (1793-1858) served on board the Uranie under Freycinet during his circumnavigation of the world, and was partly responsible for the zoological studies published as a result of that voyage. He later served under Dumont d'Urville on board the Astrolabe during the La Pérouse search expedition in 1826-1829. Gaimard's voyage to Iceland embarked in 1835 in search of the expedition of Jean de Blosseville from whom nothing had been heard since 1833. No trace was found, but the present work is the result of Gaimard's extensive travels through Iceland, and contains many fine views.

The work should have 8 octavo volumes of text and another 8vo volume of plates (Géologie et minéralogie) and is very rarely found complete. The Atlas zoologique, present here, does not seem to be individually noted in either Fiske or Sabin.