BERGIER (Nicolas). Histoire des grands chemins de l'Empire romain contenant l'origine... et estenduë quasi incroyable des chemins militaires, pavez depuis la ville de Rome jusques aux extremitez de son empire. Paris, Morel, 1622; in-4 (260 x 190 mm), spotted calf, ribbed spine decorated with gilt numerals and emblems, fillets on the boards, arms in the centre (period binding). Uncommon first edition. An important work, the first essay on the technical history and strategic role of communication routes in a large state. In the preface, Bergier pays tribute to his friends Peiresc and Dupuy, who encouraged him in his research, pointing out in particular the famous ancient map of the Roman Empire discovered a hundred years earlier by Peutinger. EXEMPLAIRE OF DOMINIQUE SÉGUIER (1593-1659), younger brother of the Chancellor and, in bibliophilic terms, almost "his rival" (Guigard), with his fine cipher and fermesse emblem on the spine and his arms on the boards. The frontispiece is missing. A few defects to the binding which nevertheless remains very attractive.