Bellin's Complete Work on the Adriatic Sea and the Western Coasts of Greece

"Description Geographique du Golfe de Venise et de la Moree...", Bellin, Jacques Nicolas

This is Bellin's work on the Adriatic Sea and the western coasts of Greece (despite the misnomer in the title), complete with 49 maps and plans, 14 of which are folding. The maps and plans focus on the coasts and ports along the Adriatic Sea, as well as portions of Greece, including Morea, the Gulf of Corinth, and several islands in the Ionian Sea. When this volume was published, these areas were poorly known in France, and Bellin's work represented the best available knowledge at the time. This example includes the lovely frontispiece, illustrated by Arrivet, which is commonly missing. The engraving shows a putto holding up a drape to expose a framed view of Venice, surrounded by imagery of a ship, jewels, and papal symbols. Quarto. Frontispiece; title page; preface; table of contents; 235 pp.; 49 maps and plans. Hardbound in full contemporary tree calf; covers adorned with gilt frame; spine with gilt decorations and red morocco title label; all edges marbled; marbled endpapers.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.BELL-5a.

Condition: A

A superb example with light soiling, foxing and offsetting affecting a few maps and pages of text. The covers and spine show very light wear.