FROMENTIN (Eugène).

FROMENTIN (Eugène).

Sahara & Sahel. I. A summer in the Sahara. II. A year in the Sahel. Paris, Plon et Cie, 1879.

In-4, red half-chagrin with corners, decorated spine, gilt title, double gilt fillet on covers, gilt head (period binding). First illustrated edition of the two works first published in 1856 and 1858: Un été dans le Sahara and Une année dans le Sahel. Illustrated with 25 hors-texte engravings by Lebat, Courtry and Rajon, including a heliogravure by the Goupil process in the frontispiece, 12 etchings and 12 relief engravings, as well as 45 in-text figures, based on paintings, drawings and sketches by Eugène Fromentin made during his stays in these regions (headbands, vignettes, culs-de-lampe). Eugène Fromentin (1820-1876) was one of the most famous painters of the nascent Orientalist school. He spent many years in Algeria (Algiers, Constantine, Biskra and the southern oases) between 1846 and 1852, where he was in charge of an archaeological mission (Carteret III, 252; Vicaire, III, 839). A few scattered brown spots, but a fine copy. Also included: LELONG (M.-H.), Le Sahara aux cent visages. Paris, Alsatia, sd (c. 1930). In-4 paperback, illustrated cover. Numerous reproductions in the text and on full page. Provenance: Jean-Charles Tauzin Collection (1889-1957)