One of the XX rarest Pyrenean books - Lot 285

One of the XX rarest Pyrenean books CHARPENTIER (Johann Friedrich Wilhelm von) Essay on the geognostic constitution of the Pyrenees. Paris, F.G. Levrault, 1823. In-8: 4f, XVI, 634pp, 1f; one plate out of text (cross-section of the Pyrenees chain) and the large folding color map in fine (geognostic map of the Pyrenees). False-title page soiled. ½ blond posterior calf, grotesque spine, brown title and author pieces, G. O. G. at foot. One of the rare copies with the large folding map that is very regularly missing from this work (we have seen no complete copy of this map to date). This geology book was written almost entirely in 1812, when the young Charpentier was in the Pyrenees. It is not only a scientific text but also, and above all, a very important work for the exploration and knowledge of the Pyrenees". In 1808, CHARPENTIER accepted the position of director of the Baïgorry copper mines, then of Engomer in Ariège in 1809 and 1810. Excursions to the Pyrenees in 1810 and 1811. He did not publish the results of his observations until 1823: "C'est un répertoire minéralogique remarquablement fait et très important dans l'histoire de la géologie Pyrénéenne". He made a number of high-mountain excursions: Pic du Midi, Brèche, glacier du Taillon, Espécières, which was already quite good for the time (Labarère, Les XX Livres pyrénéistes les plus rares, n°XX)(Labarère 381). Provenance: Printed bookplate Gaétan O'Gorman; Gaétan Marie Joseph Ferdinand, comte O'Gorman (1861-1939), French landowner known for his numerous properties in Lorraine, for his generous donations to the Church and for having completely rebuilt the château de Pixerécourt in the 1860s. The O'Gorman (or Mac Gorman) family belonged to the ancient nobility of Ireland. The nobility of the House of O'Gorman was recognized by letters patent from Louis XVI in 1774.