Texier Ch., “Description de l’Armenie, la Perse et la Messopotamie”, Paris 1842-1852. First and only edition. IMPERIAL FOLIO, 55x35cm, large uncut copy unbound as issued, text and plates, most probably the final proof copies of the livraisons, never bound, complete it two volumes, volune one: half title, additional chromolithographed title [48p.],(in 12 livraisons of 4p,as issued), 168p., (in 42 livraisons of 4p.), and 80 plates loose as issued, volume two: half title, 236p. (in 59 livraisons of 4p. as issued) and 73 plates, loose as issued. In total 153 fine lithographed plates (8 of them early chromolithographs, 3 double page) ,some pages slightly frayed at edges, light scattered marginal spotting in some places in volume one and at the very beginning and at the very end of volume two, two plates browned, overall a very good set. Texier (1802-1871) was a famous French historian and traveler. In early 1830s he had expored Anatolia. In 1839 Texier set out an archaeological mission to Armenia, Messopotamia and Persia. The results of his mission started to be published in 1842, but took 10 years to finish the text and the fine lithographed plates, all of which issued in livraisons up to 1852. Only 200 copies of these livraisons had ever been printed. They contain splendid early views of Pontos, Armenia and Persia, including views of Trebizond, Gumushane (Argiroupolis), Baipurt, Erzerum, Van, Kars, Ani and several other places. This work is the masterpiece of Texier and the earliest scientific account for Armenia and Persia. EXTREMELY RARE. Not in Atabey or Blackmer.