![SAINT-FOND, M. Faujas de (1743-1819). Description des expériences de la machine aérostatique de MM. de Montgolfier. Paris: Cuchet, 1783. [with:] — Premiere suite de la description des expériences aérostatique de MM. Montgolfier. Tome second. Paris: Cuchet, 1784.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2017/CKS/2017_CKS_14301_0132_000(saint-fond_m_faujas_de_description_des_experiences_de_la_machine_aeros031255).jpg?w=1)
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SAINT-FOND, M. Faujas de (1743-1819). Description des expériences de la machine aérostatique de MM. de Montgolfier. Paris: Cuchet, 1783. [with:] — Premiere suite de la description des expériences aérostatique de MM. Montgolfier. Tome second. Paris: Cuchet, 1784.
The earliest account of the first aerial voyage in history. First edition, second issue of the first volume; first edition of the second volume. Etienne and Joseph Montgolfier were pioneers in the field of aerostatics and made history in November 1783 with the first hot air balloon to carry passengers. Saint-Fond, a notable French geologist, was their financer and supporter; his chronicle became ‘the first serious treatise on aerostation as a practical possibility’ (PMM). Norman 769; PMM 229.
2 volumes, octavo (vol. I: 211 x 138mm; vol. II: 199 x 117mm). Vol. I: 9 engraved plates including frontispiece, 1 folding table, with the 4pp supplement and errata leaf (some light waterstaining in frontispiece and first few quires, without the probably blank t8 in vol. I). Contemporary paper wrappers, uncut (spine expertly repaired, spine label worn); vol. II: 5 engraved plates including frontispiece, errata leaf (light waterstaining to frontispiece and first gathering, K8 and M8 with repaired tears touching text, lacking the probable blank D8 and E1). Later calf, black morocco lettering-piece gilt, spine gilt (upper hinge split but holding, lightly rubbed at extremities); modern half morocco box, spine gilt. Provenance: Monsieur Louis-Augustin Derosne (ownership inscription in vol. I) — Stanford Library (stamp on rear endpaper of vol. I) — Strike (bookplate in vol. II).
The earliest account of the first aerial voyage in history. First edition, second issue of the first volume; first edition of the second volume. Etienne and Joseph Montgolfier were pioneers in the field of aerostatics and made history in November 1783 with the first hot air balloon to carry passengers. Saint-Fond, a notable French geologist, was their financer and supporter; his chronicle became ‘the first serious treatise on aerostation as a practical possibility’ (PMM). Norman 769; PMM 229.
2 volumes, octavo (vol. I: 211 x 138mm; vol. II: 199 x 117mm). Vol. I: 9 engraved plates including frontispiece, 1 folding table, with the 4pp supplement and errata leaf (some light waterstaining in frontispiece and first few quires, without the probably blank t8 in vol. I). Contemporary paper wrappers, uncut (spine expertly repaired, spine label worn); vol. II: 5 engraved plates including frontispiece, errata leaf (light waterstaining to frontispiece and first gathering, K8 and M8 with repaired tears touching text, lacking the probable blank D8 and E1). Later calf, black morocco lettering-piece gilt, spine gilt (upper hinge split but holding, lightly rubbed at extremities); modern half morocco box, spine gilt. Provenance: Monsieur Louis-Augustin Derosne (ownership inscription in vol. I) — Stanford Library (stamp on rear endpaper of vol. I) — Strike (bookplate in vol. II).
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