Levaillant, François

FIRST EDITION, LARGE PAPER COPY, 6 volumes, folio (510 x 325mm.), half titles in all but volume 3, 300 ENGRAVED PLATES IN TWO STATES, printed in colours and finished by hand, and black and white, C.M. Fessard and J.L. Pereé after J.L. Reinold, CONTEMPORARY STRAIGHT-GRAINED RED MOROCCO GILT WITH THE IMPERIAL EAGLE OF NAPOLEON within wide cathedral-style borders in gilt and blind, probably by Hering of London, spine gilt in 7 compartments, gilt edges, dampstained, some spotting

Anker 298; Fine Bird Books, p 90; Nissen IVB 555; Zimmer, p.391; Ronsil 1780

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."

A RICHLY-BOUND COPY. For a similar binding by Charles Hering with the same stamp of the imperial eagle, see British Library Add Ms 15952, a Napoleonic manuscript dated 1813.

"After he had made himself Emperor, it was part of Napoleon's deliberate policy to initiate a series of magnificent publications that would vie with those undertaken on the orders of Louis XIV. These were sent as presents to crowned heads, men of science, and learned bodies, in evidence of the splendours of the Empire... The works of Levaillant owe their sumptuous character to... this impetus” (Fine Bird Books).