[CHOISEUL-GOUFFIER (Gabriel-Auguste de). Voyage pittoresque de la Grèce. Paris, J. J. Blaise, 1782-1822. 2 volumes in 3 volumes in-folio, red half morocco with corners, smooth threaded spine, speckled edges (Binding of the period). First edition of the most beautiful book devoted to Greece. A masterpiece of copperplate engraving, the illustrations include a portrait of the author, 3 engraved titles, 2 large maps, 285 printed engravings on 168 plates, a double-page table and numerous headpieces and endpapers, all finely engraved after drawings by Choiseul-Gouffier, Hilaire, Cassas, Moreau le Jeune and Fauvel. The plates consist mainly of views of ancient cities and ruins, but also of types, costumes, picturesque scenes, plans, sections and architectural details. Choiseul-Gouffier made his first trip to Greece in 1776, aboard the frigate L'Atalante, commanded by the Marquis de Chabert. Appointed ambassador to Constantinople from 1784 to 1791, he was able to repeat his expeditions and discover Turkey. Publication of the work, interrupted by the Revolution, was resumed in installments from 1809. The third volume, compiled by two academicians, Barbié du Bocage and Lettrone, after Choiseul-Gouffier's death, contains a biographical note by M. Dacier. A copy with good margins in uniform contemporary bindings, produced when the last volume was published. Corners and headpieces worn, four jaws cracked. Millard, n°51 - Cohen, 238 - Blackmer, n°342 - Brunet, I, 1847.