Not Quite Our Oldest Book!

Amongst an eclectic box of books this weekend, nestled alongside  a signed Bill Bryson book and 1950’s cookery promotion booklets, we found not quite our oldest book.  Published in 1769 , it is “Voyage d’un Francois en Italie, Fait Dans les Annees 1765 & 1766.  Tome Sixieme”.

 The author was Jerome LaLande, published in French, it tells of the travels of a Frenchman in Italy during 1765 and 1766. Geographical, historical and economical aspects are described as well as some  gastronomic curiosities! However, we only have volume 6 or the original 8 volumes.  

Bound in calf leather with titles and decorations in gilt on spine label, the book has very attractive marbled page edges and endpapers.  But the cover is very worn and the spine is cracked.

Now listed for sale in our ebay store.