Genève, J. P. Bonnant, 1781. In two volumes. 8vo (21.5 x 13.8 cm). xix, 247 pp.; [ii], 285 pp.; eight engraved plates, mainly of glaciers, and one folded engraved map of the Alps, several wood engraved vignettes in the text. Original uniform blind publishers' wrappers. Spines renewed with later printed labels. Contained in a later blue cloth slipcase (23.2 x 15.8 x 6.9 cm) with black morocco label with gilt title.

First edition of this classic study of the (south)western Alps by Marc Théodore Bourrit (1739-1819), "chantre de l'eglise cathédrale de Genève" (first singer of the Geneva church cathedral), and a pioneer in alpinism and alpine studies. The map indicates all the then-known glaciers drawn by Bourrit and engraved by Geissler. The fine plates are also after Bourrit. There are several handwritten notes (loosely inserted on small pieces of paper) that seem to be critical writings in a contemporary, English handwriting - unfortunately unsigned, and we cannot establish by whom yet, but it looks like this deserves some investigation. Uncut. A very good, clean copy. Haller I, 1495; Lehner, 622. Not in Ward and Carozzi.