31. CHOPIN JEAN-MARIE, RUSSIE. L'Univers ou histoire et description de tous les peuples (...).
Paris 1840, Firmin Didot Brothers,384 pp .
Beautifully illustrated second edition (first in 1838) of the historical and geographical description of Russia. The author Jean-Marie Chopin (1796-1871) came from an aristocratic French-Russian family and was secretary and librarian to Prince Alexander Kourakin, Russian ambassador to Paris. The work was published in the Didot brothers' famous series of several dozen volumes, "L'Univers pittoresque," describing all known countries and corners of the world beautifully illustrated with maps and graphics. Volume one of two in the set on Russia contains 4 maps and 65 engravings. The maps depict the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Pacific Ocean and the connection between Asia and North America. The engravings depict figures (e.g. Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great), cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg), palaces and castles, peculiarities of flora and fauna, and folk costumes and types.
Binding, publisher's, booklet in medium condition covered with foil; spine and front cover with title; interior in medium condition; numerous stains, but dry, also on some engravings; overall medium condition.