Description de l’Égypte, ou Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l’expédition de l’armée française – The series of books “Description de l’Égypte” [Description of Egypt], series of books which was first published between 1809-1829, produced by over 160 scholars who took part in Napoleon’s journey in palestine and Sinai in 1798. 23 consecutive volumes from the second edition published between 1821 and 1829 by Charles Louis Fleury Panckoucke, and including the famous jacotin’s map of palestine which is the base for most maps of the region in the 19th century, numerous tables, and additional folded maps. The set is missing three volumes: I, VI, and VIII [volumes 1, 6, and 8].
When Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Egypt in 1798, he brought with him an entourage of more than 160 scholars and scientists. Those experts, known as the “French Commission of Sciences and Arts of Egypt”, carried out a comprehensive survey of the archaeology, topography and natural history of the country. The entourage explored the area for about 3 years between 1798 and 1801, and included about 2000 artists, and about 400 engravers. In 1802, Napoleon approved the publication of the committee’s findings in this monumental multi-volume work that includes plates, maps, academic essays and a detailed index. The publication of the imperial edition began in 1809, and the volumes came out one after the other. In the years it was published, it was the most widely recognized work in the world. In this edition witch is the second, the text was expanded to additional volumes and printed in a smaller format than the first edition [22 cm].
The primacy of the work, the typographic quality of the texts, the beauty of the engravings and the unusual formats make “Description de l’Égypte” a monumental work of first-rate historical importance. This is the first scientific description of ancient and modern Egypt, as well as a significant event in the history of French printing in general, and even the most important publication ever made by the French government.
Provenance: From the collection of Eliyahu HaCohen, recipient of the Israel Prize for Life’s work.
23 volumes. 22 cm. Original bindings with gilt lettering on the spine, and gilt leaf cutting. Some pages have stains. In volume VII moth marks with no text damage. Overall condition good.
