BOBLAYE Puillon, “Expédition scientifique de Morée. Recherches géographiques sur les Ruines de la Moree”, F.G. Levrault, Paris, 1836.

4to, with half title, title page, 2 pp. dedication, pp.187 and a large folding map of the Peloponnese and the Cyclades at the end.

Handwritten dedication and signature of Puillon Boblaye on first blanc sheet “a Monsieur Hase, member de l’Institut…” above ex-libris cachet of “Gustave Fougeres” (French archaeologist and then director of the French School at Athens). The dedication is referring most probably to the French Hellenist Carl Benedict Hase that has contributed in the final Morea map designed by the Expédition scientifique de Morée (transcription and pronunciation of the Greek toponyms).

Rare work that complemented the Physical Sciences section opus of the French Morea Scientific expedition, conducted by the Geologist Emile Puillon Boblaye, one of the 19 scientists of the “Expédition scientifique de Morée” that surveyed Peloponnese between 1828 and 1833 under the direction of Jean-Baptiste Bory de Saint-Vincent, in a research still received as a milestone in the modern history of archaeology, cartography and natural sciences, as well as in the study of Greece.

The work presents the archaeological observations made by the members of the scientific team, combining information derived from ancient sources (Pausanias) with on-spot observations. The results of this research are depicted on the folding map at the end entitled “Carte générale de la Morée et des Cyclades exposant les principaux faits de géographie ancienne et de géographie naturelle / rédigée au Dépôt général de la guerre ; sous la direction de M. lieutenant-général Pelet ; rédigée et dessinée par M. E. Puillon Boblaye”, 1833, where the ruins are indicated. This map is a pioneering geographical research product, accurately depicting the area for the first time and derived by the first complete triangulations conducted by the French Expedition researches, including Boblaye himself.

Contemporary full calf. Covers with 6 fillets and 4 cornerpieces all in gilt framing a set of large blind-stamped set of geometrical and fleuron decoration motifs. Spine ornamented in gilt. External rubbing and wear along edges, corners and joints. Small parts of spine’s head and foot (mainly) chipped. Spotting throughout. Ex-libris “Βιβλιοθήκη Σπ. Λοβέρδου” in gilt on front pastedown.

Bibl. Τόλιας Γ. «Η Γένεση του Ελληνικού Κράτους», ΜΙΕΤ, 2021