[Cassini de Thury, César François]

2 volumes, folio (650 x 500mm.), 182 maps on 181 sheets (some double-page), with 3 general maps (see footnote), nineteenth-century morocco-backed boards, cloth jackets, paper labels to spines, scattered pencil annotations, map number 148 bound after 149, map number 175 misnumbered 173, minor spotting and creasing, a few repairs and marginal tears (small loss to lower corner of map 9), slight dampstaining, rubbed, staining and wear to jackets

cf. National Maritime Museum 222; cf. Brunet I, 1602/1603; Tooley, Dictionary, 1999, I-241/243.

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This survey, the first complete geometric map of France, was carried out by César François but published posthumously by his son Jacques Dominique, and stands as model for all later mapmaking by triangulation. The sheets can be joined together to present a unified view of France.

"At Cezar's death in 1784 the work was complete except for a few sheets... It is not certain how long it took to engrave the final eleven sheets, but it is likely that the Revolutionary Government took over the work and entrusted the copper plates and all outstanding sheets to the Depot de la Guerre.... this work had been of a quasi-military nature and for reasons of national security was not immediately available to the general public... the complete work was not offered to the public until 1815" (Wardington Catalogue).

Three general maps: "Nouveau tableau pour servir à l'assemblage des feuilles de la carte de France par Cassini et de celle des Pays-Bas par Ferraris" (Paris, au Dépôt général de la Guerre, 1808); "Tableau de la carte générale de la France pour servir à l’assemblage des 24 feuilles de la carte réduite…", (Paris, L. Capitaine); "Nouvelle carte qui comprend les principaux Triangles qui servent de Fondement à la Description Géométrique de la France. Levée par ordre du Roy, par Mesres Maraldi & Cassini de Thury, de l’Académie Royale des Sciences", (1744).

Map number 160 (Isle de Noirmoutier) is incorporated into map number 131.