Illustrated Memoir of the Search for Troy

LeChevalier, J.B. VOYAGE DE LA TROADE, FAIT DANS LES ANNÉES 1785 ET 1786. Troisième édition. Paris: Dentu, An X [1802]. Three volumes, complete. 8vo, contemporary matching tree calf; spines ruled and decorated in gilt; red and green spine labels, gilt; blue endpapers; page edges speckled red. xviii, 303, (1) + (4), 332 + (4), 315, (1), (16) pages. Bindings lightly worn, with minor bumps and cracks, but without serious problems. Early ink stamp of N. Gravier on flyleaf versos. Generally near fine. [with] LeChevalier, J.B. RECUEIL DES CARTES, PLANS, VUES ET MÉDAILLES, POUR SERVIR AU VOYAGE DE LA TROADE. Paris: Dentu, An X [1802]. Folio [33.5 by 25.5 cm], contemporary tan quarter calf with possibly later tan paper-covered boards; spine richly ruled and decorated in gilt; red morocco spine label, gilt. (2), 14 pages; 35 [of 37] superbly engraved plates signed by a variety of engravers, many folding and/or double-page, some two per page, comprising maps, views, plans, antiquities, etc., including both sides of three dozen ancient coins. Lacks final two plates. Moderate wear to binding; a couple of marginal tears not affecting images. Near fine with defects noted. A handsome set of this charming travel memoir and early attempt to identify the ruins of Troy through archaeological means. The author, Jean-Baptiste LeChevalier (1752–1836), was a French archaeologist who believed that the site of Troy was to be found on the hills above Bunárbashi. Later in life, he served as the curator of the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève. First published in 1794, his Voyage de la Troade was first illustrated in this edition. Very scarce with the atlas of plates, though this set is lacking two of them.