Mathews (Charles Edward). The annals of Mont Blanc. A monograph. Londra, Fisher Unwin, 1898. Large, full in-8°, publisher's full blue cloth binding, gilt decoration on front cover depicting Mont Blanc, gilt title on spine. First edition of this important monograph on Mont Blanc. It includes extracts from the accounts of the first ascents and a facsimile of Pierre Martel's account of his journey to the Chamonix valley in 1741. Mathews was the first to rehabilitate Dr Paccard's role in the success of the first ascent. Bibliography of works on Mont Blanc. An exceptional copy from the Library of Edward Whymper, with a signed autograph letter from the author to Whymper on the flyleaf. Whymper has pasted onto the flyleaf two newspaper articles praising the publication of Mathews' book and Gribble's "The early mountaineers". A few annotations in pencil by Whymper in the book. In a pocket in fine, a large autograph letter signed by Whymper to Mathews (5 pp.), dated 13 March 1899, with observations on the work. Enclosed are two signed autograph letters from Mathews in response to Whymper's observations and a final signed autograph letter from Whymper responding point by point to Mathews. C. E. Mathews (1834-1905) was one of the leading English mountaineers of the Golden Age. A lawyer and brilliant orator, he was a founder member of the Alpine Club, which he chaired from 1878 to 1880. He climbed Mont Blanc 12 times. He made numerous ascents in the Alps, often in the company of his brothers William and George Spencer, and later his son (C. M. Mathews). Perret, 2863