[HELVETICA]. EBEL (Johann Gottfried). Handbook for travellers in Switzerland. Zurich, Orell &, Füssli, 1810-1811. 4 vol. in-8° bound half-basin with corners, smooth spines decorated with gilt fillet (Binding of the period).Vol.1: XVI, LXXII, 391 pp., Vol.2: XVI, 628 pp., Vol.3: [1]f., 635 pp. Vol.4: 645 pp. With 3 frontispieces, a folding colour map and 4 plates.1 frontispiece. This fundamental guide to Switzerland in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries describes in detail the country's landscapes, mountains, lakes, routes and natural attractions. It also provides practical advice for travellers. Ebel includes scientific observations on the local geology, flora and fauna. This third French edition (noted as the Second Edition since it is the 2nd edition that bears this exact title, but the First Edition exists under the title Instructions pour un voyageur qui se propose de parcourir la Suisse de la manière la plus utile et la plus propre à lui procurer toutes les jouissures dont cette contrée abonde) is considered to be the most accomplished version of Ebel's work. It incorporates recent updates from the period and features improved cartography. It is one of the first major tourist summaries of Switzerland, and will have a lasting influence on the country's image in the eyes of Europeans. Frequent foxing, otherwise good condition. Provenance: Library of the Château d'Auvernier Overall good condition, with the exception of numerous foxing marks on several pages. Binding: Speckled boards Some stains and scratches on spines Some soiling to boards Inside pages: Uneven freckling according to the quires: some quires have very clean pages, others are a little oxidized, others are covered with freckles.