Charles NODIER. Diary of the Iron Gates expedition. - Lot 72

Charles NODIER. Diary of the Iron Gates expedition. Paris, Imprimerie Royale, 1844. Large in-8, bradel publisher's cream boards. Carteret, III-436 / Vicaire, VI-140 /// (2f.)-XVI-329. First and only edition of wood-engraved illustrations by Raffet, Decamps, Dauzats, etc. The illustrations comprise 40 plates hors texte, printed on Chine monté with captioned serpents, numerous vignettes in the text and a fold-out map. A handsome work printed by the Imprimerie Royale. The copies were intended for members of the royal family, government dignitaries and all participants in the expedition. Copies are bound either in cream hardback, or in contemporary chagrin or red morocco with special irons. The latter are very rare (Carteret). Minor foxing to a few leaves, edges spotted and lower cover slightly damaged.