Lot 48: EUGÈNE FLANDIN (1809-1876) and PASCAL COSTE (1787-1879)

EUGÈNE FLANDIN (1809-1876) and PASCAL COSTE (1787-1879)

Voyage en Perse pendant les années 1840 et 1841. Paris: Gide et J. Baudry, [1843-1854]. 2 parts in 6 volumes, 2° (625 x 460mm). Half-titles. One double-page engraved map of Turkey and Persia and 344 numbered engraved and lithographic plates, mounted on guards, of which 2 are chromolithographed, one is folding, and some double-page. (Some mostly marginal spotting, some of the double-page plates lightly and evenly browned, a few plates strengthened at the hinge.) 19th-century red quarter roan (some joints starting, extremities rubbed and light scuffing).

FIRST EDITION a rare publication, covering both the ancient monuments and the Moslem architecture of Persia in the mid-19th century. Flandin received the Légion d'Honneur in 1842 for his part in this government-sponsored archaeological mission. The six volumes were published serially in 70 parts issued over 10 years. ABPC records only 3 other sets at auction in the past 35 years. The present set appears to be the only one of these with the full complement of 344 plates, while the others are described with 340, 343 and 343 plates. Like others at auction this set is without the two volumes of text, Relation de Voyage, published in 8vo in 1851. Brunet II, 1280; Wilson, p.72. (6)