Paul-Mathieu LAURENT DE L'ARDÈCHE. Histoire de l'empereur Na - Lot 167

Paul-Mathieu LAURENT DE L'ARDÈCHE. Histoire de l'empereur Napoléon. Paris, J.-J. Dubochet et Cie, 1839. Large in-8, red morocco, boards entirely decorated with intertwined laurel wreaths with bees and the letter N, central decoration imitating a large medallion with gilt and black fillets and small irons bearing the gilt imperial eagle in the center, 5-rib spine decorated with the same, edges elegantly chased in gold and black, inner gilt lace, case (J. Wright). Carteret, III-375 / Lartigue-Pontbriand, 365 / Vicaire, V-98 /// 802. First edition published in 100 issues, and first printing of the numerous woodcut illustrations after Horace Vernet, including a frontispiece engraved by Brevière and 500 vignettes in the text. A very fine copy bound by J. Wright, an English bookbinder who practiced in the mid-19th century. Some faint brown spots. Unidentified bookplate with the motto Vigilantibus (from the Acheson family, Earl of Gosford, or from the Briston family).