[PARIS] BEGUILLET, Edme. Historical Description of Paris and - Lot 248

[PARIS] BEGUILLET, Edme. Historical Description of Paris and Its Most Beautiful Monuments, engraved in intaglio by F. N. Martinet, engineer and engraver of the King’s cabinet; to serve as an introduction to the History of Paris and France: dedicated to the King by Mr. Béguillet, attorney at the Parliament, and member of several academies. A sought-after edition, illustrated with 22 delicate plates by François-Nicolas Martinet, a renowned 18th-century engraver known particularly for his work in ornithology. Paris and Dijon, published by the authors and Frantin, 1779. In-8, marbled full calf, smooth spine adorned with gold garlands and a black leather title label; the same gold garland frames the covers; marbled edges. 4 unnumbered folios, C and 384 pp., 22 engraved plates. Binding is worn with losses; leather is cracked on the spine and front cover; cap pieces are missing. A few small foxing spots; two restoration marks on page 66 and on the back of a loose plate. An in-8 edition published concurrently with the original in-4 edition. We owe this description of the capital’s monuments to Edme Beguillet (?–1786), a historian, agronomist, and lawyer from Dijon. It is exquisitely illustrated with 22 copperplate engravings by François-Nicolas Martinet (ca. 1726–1804), including the frontispiece, the engraved title page, one single-subject plate (preliminary), and 19 double-subject plates. This unfinished work is sought after for the finesse of its lines and the rarity of certain views. It was continued by Jean-Charles Poncelin, who authored two volumes devoted to the civil, ecclesiastical, physical, and literary history of Paris. [Cohen, 692]. Interior is in good condition; engravings are in good condition.