ALPS AND ALPINISM - Bourrit, Marc-Théodore. Description... Lot 102

ALPS AND ALPINISM - Bourrit, [Marc-Théodore]. Description des Alpes Pennines et Rhetiennes. 2 vols. With 1 gest. Folded map and 8 copper plates by A. Moitte after Bourrit. Geneva, J. P. Bonnant, 1781. 8°. XIX, 247 pp; [2] ll, 285 pp. Contemporary calf with gilt spine titles, floral gilt on spine, triple fillets on covers and marbled endpapers (light rubbing, 1 joint with tear and tiny missing piece at upper capital). Barth 18031 - Lonchamp 406 - Wäber 40 - Haller I, 1495: "A very important work". - First edition. - The Geneva-born writer, painter and traveler Marc-Théodore Bourrit (1739-1819) is one of the pioneers of alpinism as well as of Alpine painting. He accompanied de Saussure on his first ascents of the Alps and illustrated his "Voyages dans les Alpes" (1791-96). In addition, he published his own descriptions of Alpine regions, among which the present work is the most extensive. - The map of C.G. Geissler after Bourrit with a south-oriented overview of the Valais Alps. - Both volumes with private stamp on endpapers, otherwise clean and well preserved.