Books and Manuscripts

Toulouse: Dominique Camusat, 1672. First edition. 12mo. (vi), 101, (1) pp. (but 104, pp. 21/22 misnumbered). Illustrated with 11 engraved plates (eight folding). Full 18th-century mottled calf, stamped in gilt, red morocco spine label, board slightly rubbed, extremities lightly worn, front joint rubbed; all edges trimmed; marbled endpapers; book-plate of author Geddes MacGregor on front paste-down; MacGregor's small label bottom front free endpaper ("scarce & valuable"); old ownership signature on title-page verso.

A lovely copy of this uncommon work on the construction of the Canal du Midi. The canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, in Southern France, and is considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the 17th century. The Canal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.