Desaint & Saillant (1741-1775)

First edition of the French translation, illustrated with two folding plates hors texte.

This is an abridged translation (unusually, this is stated) of the major work Reise durch Sibirien, published in Göttingen in 1751–1752 in four quarto volumes richly illustrated. It recounts a major scientific expedition to Siberia that took place from July 1733 to February 1743. Johann Georg Gmelin (1709–1755) held the chair of chemistry and natural history at the Saint Petersburg Academy of Sciences.

Despite the erratic pagination of the second volume, the set is complete.

Contemporary full marbled tan calf, flat spines decorated with gilt compartments, red morocco title a

First edition.

Contemporary full marbled brown sheep binding. Spine with raised bands richly decorated. Red morocco title label. One hole at foot. Corners rubbed and folded. Rubbed throughout. 2 blank leaves intended for notes have been inserted every 2 leaves, most have remained blank, those bearing notes concern the bailliage of Dourdan. Leaf 7 has been bound by error after the preliminary pages. Wormholes from p. 160 to 192 in lower margin, in the center.

Rare first edition, comprising 9 plates, including 3 folding plates.
Contemporary full mottled brown calf bindings. Spines with raised bands, gilt decoration. Title and volume labels in brown morocco. Blue mottled edges. A handsome copy.