Old Bridges of France
New York: The Press of the American Institute of Architects, 1925. Pierre Vignal (watercolors) and Louis C. Rosenberg and Samuel Chamberlain (drawings). First Edition. Loose sheets in cloth folio with cloth ties. Large folio (13 x 18 inches) containing 24 watercolor reproductions tipped in, along with 35 black-and-white drawings by Louis C. Rosenberg and Samuel Chamberlain. Also enhanced by 44 plates of drawings, photographs, diagrams and maps. Half tan cloth over blue cloth boards, gilt lettering stamped on front cover and spine. Many of the leaves are unopened. Preliminary leaves with very light age-toning to edges. Modest foxing to pastedowns. Boards with wear, stains and uneven fading; joints starting, with light fraying. Of an edition limited to 1,000 copies, this is stamped copy number 153. Good+. Item #6526
Title continues: "A Series of Historical Examples from Roman Times to the End of the XVIIIth Century." An appreciation of historic French infrastructure that survived WWI. The work begs the question of bridge-attrition leveled by WWII. In sum, the Pierre Vignal watercolors are exquisite; the drawings by Rosenberg and Chamberlain edifying. A handsome, luxe production.
Price: $250.00