Bory de Saint-Vincent, Jean-Baptiste, and others

FIRST EDITION, 2 text volumes only (of 5; volume 1 and volume 2 part 1), PRESENTATION COPIES, EACH TEXT VOLUME INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR TO GENERAL SCHRAMM, and atlas (to volume one only), together 3 volumes, text 4to (345 x 255mm.), and atlas folio (532 x 343mm.), half-titles, engraved medallions on general title of atlas, engraved medallions pasted onto centre of title of volume 1 ('Relation'), volume 2 part 1 ('Geographie') without medallions (an early issue?), illustrations in the text, atlas with list of plates, lithographed portrait of Bory de Saint-Vincent and 37 numbered maps and plates (to accompany the 'Relation'), comprising 6 engraved maps on 11 sheets (large map of the Morea on 6 sheets), some double-page or folding, and 31 lithographed plates (some with 2 or more views), including a large folding panorama on 5 joined sheets, uniformly bound in contemporary half calf, marbled boards, spines in compartments gilt, some spotting, a few plates lightly browned or stained, text volumes rebacked retaining original spines and corners repaired, atlas spine worn and corners rubbed

Jean-Paul Adam, comte de Schramm (1789–1884), French General and Minister of War; each text volume with a presentation inscription by the author (see footnote).

Blackmer 169; cf. Weber I, 236 (Relation)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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."

"THE SCIENTIFIC MISSION REPRESENTED THE FIRST ATTEMPT AT A SYSTEMATIC STUDY OF GREECE" (Blackmer). Bory de Saint-Vincent (1778-1846), a naturalist already famed for his work with Baudin in the Pacific in 1800, was subjoined to the French military force which occupied parts of the Peloponnese between 1829 and 1833.

THE AUTHORIAL INSCRIPTIONS IN THE TEXT VOLUMES STATE THAT EACH VOLUME IS ONE OF ONLY 14 COPIES (perhaps early issues?); in the 'Relation,' the author has written: "Il n’a été tire que 13 exemplaires a part de la Présente Relation, offerte par L’auteur a M. Le Général Schram[m] en témoignade de sincere reconnaissance. BorydeStVincent” and the 'Géographie': "Il n’a été tire que 13 exemplaires a part de cette Partie—offerte a M^r Le G^rl Schramm par L’autheur. BdeStVincent."

The 'Relation' provides an overall account of the expedition, and the second volume (part 1) covers geography. The atlas volume contains a complete set of 6 maps and 31 topographical views (including a folding panorama) to accompany the 'Relation.' The other text volumes and plates that complete the work (not present here), cover geology, mineralogy, zoology and botany.