DONNET, Alexis.

Large oblong folio (53 x 73 cm.), 24 numbered leaves (including the title), “Tableau d’assemblage” leaf, and an engraved leaf of map symbols (of smaller size, mounted on a half-sheet). Six leaves including the title slightly larger and folded in at the fore-edge. Contemporary marbled boards, recently rebacked and recornered with rose-coloured cloth. One plate torn at the fore-edge without loss, one plate lightly browned and soiled in the fore-edge margin, some other very light browning.

FIRST EDITION of a pioneering cartographical work, combining exact geological and topographical details with economic and statistical features. The leaf of map symbols has not been present in any other copy seen, and it shows that the maps mark thirteen different sorts of mines, as well as foundries and other industrial and manufacturing locations, geological areas (as a source of building materials), etc. The symbols are divided in three subjects, topographical, hydrological and mineralogical. The 24th plate is a statistical analysis of all the départements of France. This book appeared shortly after the end of the long war between France and England. Evidently of value, a second edition appeared in 1826.