Graphic Illustrations of the Most Prominent Features of the French Capital...

1816. PARIS. Graphic Illustrations of the Most Prominent Features of the French Capital; with Characteristic Figures in the Foregrounds comprised in Twelve Stroke Engravings, From Accurate Designs Taken in Paris during the Imperial Reign of Buonaparte. With Descriptive Notices and Interesting Anecdotes. [26] pp., illustrated with 12 double-page engravings. Folio, 430 x 380 mm., bound in contemporary French three-quarter black morocco over marbled boards, gilt title and floral vignettes on spine, paper label with ms. number "20" on front cover and spine. London: Harper and Co., 1816. A fine copy of this extremely rare collection of views of Paris consisting of twelve artistically conceived views of Paris engraved by English artists. The large double-page engravings incorporate local Parisians participating in daily routines within the setting of each view. Panoramic views include: the Military School and the Church of the Invalides; View of Paris from the South Boulevard; View of Paris from Montmartre; South View of the Old and New Louvre; The Mint and The Façade of the Louvre; View of La Place de la Concorde; The Garden of the West Front of the Tuileries; Palace of the Tuileries Facing La Place du Carrousel; Garden of the Tuileries; The Luxembourg or Palais du Senat with the Gardens; The Elysian Fields, Distant Gardens of the Tuileries; Entrance to Les Champs Élysées and La Place de la Concorde. Each plate is followed by two pages of text giving historical details and anecdotes about the site illustrated. Minor wear to outer edges of binding, plates and text clean. Rare: OCLC lists 6 copies worldwide, of which only one is held in America (Bowdoin College).