[EGYPT]. Description de l'gypte, ou recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont t faites en gypte pendant l'expdition de l'arme francaise. Paris: Imprimerie Impriale 1809, Imperimerie Royale 1817-[30]. 17 of 23 vols. (including 4 (of 10 text vols.) 14 plate and map vols. (including 6 double elephant 2o). Profusion of plates in various sizes, many printed in color, with additional hand-coloring (dampstained and defective). Contemporary boards (defective). FIRST EDITION. The first comprehensive description of ancient and modern Egypt, compiled by the 165 members of the Institut de l'gypte established by Napoleon to accompany his expedition to Egypt (1798-1801). This exhaustive survey of all aspects of ancient and modern life in Egypt was carried out under the supervision of the mathematician Gaspard Monge, the appointed president of the new Institute (Napoleon was vice-president) and was published, in various issues and formats, over a period of 23 years. Brunet II:616-17; Nissen BBI 2234; Nissen ZBI 4608; Blackmer/Navari 476. Sold not subject to return. (18)