91 - [TRAVEL & NATURAL HISTORY] - SONNERAT, Pierre

[TRAVEL & NATURAL HISTORY] - SONNERAT, Pierre A Journey to the East Indies and China, Undertaken by Order of the King, from 1774 to 1781... Paris: Published by the author, Froullé, Nyon, Barrois, 1782, 3 volumes In-8°. Contemporary full calfskin binding with grained finish. Spine with 5 raised bands, richly decorated with panels and small gilt metal fittings. Title label in light morocco leather and volume number label in blue-green morocco leather. Red edges. Very slight scuffing from handling. Interior in exceptionally fresh condition, including the plates (the copy has likely never been read). First edition in 8vo format, published at the same time as the 4to edition and sold in part by the author. A major work by the naturalist and explorer Pierre Sonnerat (1748–1814), who was sent on a mission by Louis XVI. The first two volumes describe the customs, religions, and arts of India, China, Madagascar, as well as Île de France, Ceylon, and the Philippines. The third volume focuses on the natural history of the Moluccas, including the discovery of species previously unknown in the West. This copy is highly sought after for its seven large fold-out plates engraved by Poisson after Sonnerat. References: Chadenat, 2038; Brunet, V, 442; Cordier, Sinica, 2102. A very fine copy!