Paris, Leroy, 1786.
2 volumes in-8 of: I/ (2) ff., xvi pp., 346 pp.; II/ viii pp., 358 pp., green mottled calf, gilt frame dentelle, very nicely decorated smooth spines, yellow edges. Binding of the period.
194 x 116 mm.
Original edition of the best book on Switzerland of the time
Almost all the places were visited by the author.
“Would you like to travel as a Naturalist? You must travel throughout Switzerland. As a Draftsman? You need to look for effects in the mountains, by the lakes. As a man, friend of his comforts, not eager to face hazards & know a People thoroughly; finally, if you only want to make the pretty Journey, you can dispense with going to the Cantons of Solothurn, Zug, Unterwald, Uri, in the upper Valais, & even to Schwyz. One should stick to Basel, Schaffhausen, Zurich, Bern, the Vaud region. This journey becomes infinitely restricted, it is an easy & continuous enjoyment. I would not make much of such a Traveler; but I know that they are numerous. If you only want to have the characteristic points of the constitution, you must limit yourself to Fribourg, Uri, Bern, Zurich, Appenzell & Zug. The main features of the federation are found. Having seen the Glaciers of Grindelwald, you can say, I have seen Switzerland, it will be Switzerland in profile, & beautifully so. What does it matter! We want to enjoy; enough others want to instruct.
I advise you to reduce your Servants as much as you can. If you can do without them, you will be well. It is a costly uselessness in Switzerland.
Do not regret neither the time, nor the fatigue, nor the money; especially the money, since mercenaries must be satiated. Do not go with your horses, nor even with your carriages. Their path is too wide, the horses not strong enough. Horses can be found in Basel & in the main Cities at six livres (each) per day, including food, & that of the postillion. Carriages can be found. Beware of despising the Nation, it has truly estimable men, generally the Swiss is an honest man. If you visit him, make sure you have already traveled among other Peoples, so that he can obtain from you, in comparison, all that he should gain. The grand airs do not take here. You must come with a very modest sense of your own worth, see in every man your equal, & act accordingly. Luxury is out of place & does not allure; have simplicity, gaiety & a lot of candor. But we French, we are so lively…”
Beautiful copy in binding of the time.
Provenance: Library of the Château de… (engraved ex libris with the name of the Château crossed out).
