Splendid illustrations - Russell's copy - Lot 181

Splendid illustrations - Russell's copy HARDY (Joseph) A picturesque and descriptive tour in the mountains of the High Pyrenees: comprising twenty-four views of the most interesting scenes, from original drawings taken on the spot; with some account of the bathing establishments in that department of France. London, Ackermann, 1825. In-8: VIII, 84pp; a frontispiece map (topographical map) in black and 24 views (format 70 X 90 mm) engraved in aquatint, finely enhanced in watercolor at the time, and mounted on strong paper. Printed on fine Madagascar wove paper. ½ tan granite calf with filleted corners signed ROOT & SON, richly decorated ribbed spine, gilt head. A fine copy. A work of great originality and incomparable quality for the illustrations. This is the "jewel" of Pyrenean books. HARDY's trip took place in the late spring of 1822. For a time, HARDY was accompanied by another little-known artist: John Claude Nattes. The only comparable work in the Pyrenean library is the "Tableau Pittoresque des Pyrénées Françaises" or "petit Frossard" published by the pastor of Bagnères in 1839. The same year saw the publication of "Voyage Pittoresque et Descriptif dans les Hautes-Pyrénées", a translation of HARDY's text by Barère de Vieuzac. Provenance: Exemplaire du comte Russell-Killough avec son ex-libris imprimé (baron of Ulster).