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[Bartlett, illus.] Beattie, William SWITZERLAND. Illustrated in a Series of Views Taken Expressly For This Work by W. H. Bartlett, Esq. London George Virtue 1836

2 volumes. First edition. With steel-engraved vignette title-pages, 107 steel-engraved plates by Bartlett, and a large folding map in volume 2. 4to, contemporary 3/4 red morocco over moire cloth boards, lettered and numbered in gilt and with elaborate gilt tooling in panel designs within compartments between raised bands on the spines and blind tooling and gilt ruling on the covers,a.e.g. iv, 188;152. In absolutely lovely condition, unusually attractive, with almost none of the usual foxing.

AN EXTREMELY BEAUTIFUL WORK FILLED WITH PICTURESQUE STEEL ENGRAVED SCENES OF SWITZERLAND. William Bartlett traveled extensively throughout Europe and the East with his good friend Dr. Beattie, and brought home over a thousand drawings. Eventually they were engraved and published into volumes with descriptive text by the latter. Here we find one of one of Bartlett's best works, partly attributable to the magnificent scenery of the country described. Each engraving combines attention to detail, subtle use of lighting and shade, and romantic portrayal of the landscape. Scenes are rendered from virtually every corner of the country and include both natural and architectural compositions.
The text focuses heavily on the history of each locale but also includes local customs, sights, and first hand travel impressions. A somewhat elusive title in the Bartlett oeuvre, these illustrations of Switzerland are typical of his best and most famous work.

$US1495

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