One of the XX rarest Pyrenean books - Copy of the Duc d'Elch - Lot 400

One of the XX rarest Pyrenean books - Copy of the Duc d'Elchingen LA MOSKOWA (Joseph Napoléon NEY, Prince de) Ascension to the Vignemale, by the Prince of La Moskowa. Paris, imp. de Bachelier, 1842. In folio: 2f., 23pp. illustrated with 4 out-of-text lithographs on Chine mince mounted by Frédéric Sorrieu, after drawings by the Prince de La Moskowa. The paper supporting the lithographs has browned without damaging the subjects, a few freckles on the text. Autograph address in pencil (not authenticated): To Monsieur le Duc d'Elchingen, offered by the author. Contemporary ½ red chagrin, spine ribbed, slight rubbing, Le Prince de La Moskowa gilt on upper board. Bound for the Prince of La Moskowa. Very rare. Much sought-after. (Labarère, "Les Vingt Livres Pyrénéistes les plus rares", N° VIII). Nine known copies in private collections. The lithographs by Sorrieu, based on drawings by the Prince de La Moskowa, are by Formentin et Cie. List of lithographs: Spain. Rock climbing on the Malferrat d'Ossoue - Spain. Climbing the Grand Glacier - France. Summits of Mont Vignemale - France. The Vignemale seen from Lac de Gaube. Provenance: One of the copies bound for the Prince de La Moskowa, with an unauthenticated hand-written note stating that the copy was given by Joseph Napoléon Ney (the author) to his brother and fellow Vignemale climber, Michel Louis Félix Ney (2nd Duke of Elchingen, 2nd son of the Marshal). Exemplaire présenté en vente publique lors de la vente des souvenirs de la famille Ney (2012).