First edition, illustrated with 11 plates including a frontispiece. This copy has been enriched with a second frontispiece inserted before the half-title: the frontispiece from the Relation de la bataille de Marengo présentée à l'empereur par le Maréchal Berthier, published in 1808. This image, depicting Napoleon on horseback listening to Marshal Berthier outlining the battle plan held by a guard, has been mounted on red cloth. The booklet contains only a half-title, as the original cover—which has not been preserved—appears to have served as the title page: beneath a central imperial eagle, it simply bore the date and the mention “Paris, En vente chez tous les libraires.”
Volume bearing the arms and cipher of Napoleon III.
Contemporary full red shagreen binding. Spine with raised bands, decorated with five small bees. The upper board features the imperial arms at center, surrounded by the collar of the Order of the Holy Spirit, with four eagles in the corners and multiple frames. The lower board bears the cipher of Napoleon III. Moiré silk endpapers framed by a pattern of stars and circles. All edges gilt. Occasional light foxing.
A very handsome copy.