4 - [AERONAUTICS]. BERGET, Alphonse. *La Route de l'air*. Aeronautics, aviation. History, theory, practice.

[AERONAUTICS]. BERGET, Alphonse. *La Route de l'air*. Aeronautics, aviation. History, theory, practice. First edition of this important monograph on the early days of aviation, illustrated with 80 figures and 118 engraved plates. A well-preserved copy, enhanced by a signed autograph dedication from the author. Paris, Hachette et Cie, n.d. [1911]. Large quarto (330 x 260 mm), red half-shagreen, ribbed spine decorated with the title and author’s name in gold lettering, gilt head (contemporary binding). III and 248 pages, 80 black-and-white figures and diagrams in the text, and 118 separate heliogravure plates based on period photographs. Scuffing with slight losses of leather; top edge trimmed. First edition of one of the earliest major popular science treatises devoted to the conquest of the air, written by Professor Alphonse Berget of the Oceanographic Institute. The book traces the heroic and scientific beginnings of the conquest of the skies, covering the history of airships, air resistance, wind, the principles of aviation, and the construction of the first airplanes (Voisin, Wright, Blériot, Breguet, etc.). It is illustrated with 80 explanatory diagrams in the text and 118 engravings and photographs, immortalizing in particular the pioneers and landmark events such as Louis Blériot’s crossing of the English Channel on July 25, 1909. This copy is enhanced by an autograph dedication signed by the author on the half-title page: “To Mrs. G. Kohn, with respectful and warm devotion.” A sturdy copy, with a clean and fresh interior.