[J.J. Le Français De Lalande] Voyage d'un français en Italie - Lot 155

[J.J. Le Français De Lalande] Voyage d'un français en Italie fait dans les années 17651766. Venise et Paris, Desaint, 1769. 8 vol. in-12 contemporary marbled calf, ornate ribbed spine, red edges (bindings flawed and missing). First edition. The success and importance of Lalande's work in French and European travel literature are attested by numerous editions. The project for this work arose from the astronomer's awareness of the absence of a book of high disclosure that could serve as a "great rationalist encyclopedia of Italy" (Lalande), a formula that clarifies the author's ambitious plan. Lalande did not confine himself to drawing up an itinerary accompanied by an inventory of ancient beauties; despite his professions of ignorance, he traced a significant fresco of monuments and works of painting often neglected by the travelers who preceded him, works which took their place in the aesthetic debate of the time; he was particularly interested in Gothic architecture, which was lacking in all published travels. As he passed through the various cities of the peninsula, preceded by his reputation, Lalande came into direct contact with the country's leading cultural and scientific figures. Lalande's travels took place in the Europe of the Enlightenment and the Encyclopedists, whose credo he shared. Experience, observation and documentation form the basis of the Voyage. Lalande was also interested in other, often neglected aspects of Italy at the time, such as the "arts and crafts", representing an ideal continuity between his work for the Académie des Sciences and the experience of the voyage. Enclosed: Anecdotes italiennes depuis la destruction de l'Empire Romain en Occident jusqu'à nos jours. Vincent, 1769. In-12 contemporary marbled calf, spine ribbed and decorated (head cap damaged).