Beschreibung:

PÂRIS, François Edmond (1806-1893). Essai sur la construction navale des peuples extra-européens, ou collection des navires et pirogues construits par les habitants de l'Asie, de la Malaisie, du grand Océan et de l'Amérique . Paris: Arthus-Bertrand, [1843]. First edition of a rare and important work: the first comprehensive (as well as graphic) inventory of the vessels designed and used by the populations of America, Asia and Oceania, of prime importance as an ethnographic as well as a technological document. Edmond François Pâris took part in several expeditions, notably Laplace’s aboard L'Artémise . This journey afforded the precious naval-archaeology material needed by Pâris for the publication of this pioneering book, still considered an irreplaceable source. Over six hundred sketches, watercolours, coastal views, plans and drawings about ship-building and naval technology were the fruits of his labour, despite the loss of one arm during the visit of a foundry near Madras. His work offers a unique, scientifically accurate visual as well as textual witness to naval construction methods and navigation practices outside of Europe in the nineteenth century. Brunet IV, col. 371 (calling for 130 plates); Sabin 58593; Polak 7321. 2 volumes, comprising one octavo text volume (546 x 355mm, text; 545 x 357mm, plates), and one folio atlas with 132 plates, engraved or lithographed with tinted background (text vol. with short repaired tear and with some browning throughout, this latter also affecting the margins of about 20 plates in the atlas, some plates reinforced at gutter). Contemporary quarter morocco, spines lettered in gilt (corners bumped, extremities worn, a few surface scuffs).