BERALDI (Henri). Balaïtous and Pelvoux. 1 - Notes on the officers of the Carte de France. 2 - Un officier géodésien aux Pyrénées 1786-1795. Les premières ascensions du Grand Pelvoux par le Capitaine Durand. By the author, Paris, 1907-1910. 2 volumes in-4°, bound in half red morocco, spine ribbed, title gilt on spine, covers preserved, gilt head (H. Gless). First edition, printed in a small number. A very fine copy of this essential and rare work devoted to the work of military topographers in the Pyrenees. Complete with both volumes. A copy by Henri Beraldi, with two autograph letters of thanks to the author bound at the head, the first from Henri Vallot ("You have very skilfully taken advantage of scattered, disjointed, dry and scientific notes; likewise, the illustrations are an interesting original feature. Those of us who know a bit about the trade have the impression that you do too!") and the second from Paul Helbronner ("What a fine follow-up to your Cent ans aux Pyrénées! In Balaïtous et Pelvoux we find again that deliciously incisive, precise and charming style that makes you read the seven green volumes in one go, like a novel. And then there's the unusual thing of not finding an iota to change in everything you know, especially the things you've written. I think it's the first time it's ever happened to me!) The illustrations consist of 17 hors-texte plates, some folding or double-page, and 13 illustrations in the text (volume I) and 22 hors-texte plates, some folding (volume II). Attached is a folded 1:20,000 map of the Balaïtous massif printed on Japon in 1960 by the Lourdes section of the Club Alpin Français, with an autograph letter to André Beraldi, the author's son, who is probably responsible for having these two volumes bound. Also included is a postcard of the Vignemale ascent (1930s). Perret 0385, Labarère 146-148, Dendaletche 201: "Magnifique, beaucoup moins fréquent que Cent ans!