Itinéraire descriptif de l'Espagne, et tableau élémentaire des différentes branches de l'administration et de l'industrie de ce royaume

First edition.
Bradel bindings in full dark blue boards, smooth spines decorated with gilt fillets and cold-stamped fleurons, gilt friezes at foot, marbled paper boards, yellow and speckled edges, contemporary bindings.
The atlas contains 29 engraved plates printed separately.
Some rubbing at head and foot of spines with a lack at foot of the fifth volume, small dampstains at foot of front board of the fourth volume and at head of fore-edge, occasional foxing.
Set in uniform boards and complete with its atlas.
One of the most famous works on Spain. Archaeologist and politician, Alexandre de Laborde (1773-1842) was sent in 1800 to Lucien Bonaparte's Embassy in Madrid. Charmed by Spain, he would return there a few years later leading a group of some twenty artists (including Jacques Moulinier, Dutailly, François Ligier, Six, Vivant Denon, Bourgeois, Vauzelle) for the creation of the magnificent folio first edition (Voyage pittoresque et historique en Espagne) whose drawings were entrusted to the execution of some thirty engravers. To compose the Itinéraire descriptif de l'Espagne, Laborde surrounded himself with a team of authors, including his friend Chateaubriand. After a historical and geographical introduction and a notice on travels in Spain, the volumes proceed by province. The author describes not only the cities and monuments, but takes interest in commerce, industry, customs...