In order to make his popular, large plan of Paris as useful as possible, Didier Robert de Vaugondy conceived of a "portable" version of his map. This portable edition was published in book form, and used the original impressions from his large plan (Plan de la Ville et des Faubourgs de Paris), dissected into 9 even sections, with each section remargined to add grid coordinates, a title, and borders. This created 9 small maps that were combined with a new small plan of Paris and a new map extending the plan further west along the Seine River (Hotel Royal de l'Ecole Militaire) to depict the newly built Ecole Militaire (and future site of the Eiffel Tower). In addition to the 11 maps, the volume features an extensive index listing all of the streets, places, bridges, ports, and other important locations to be found in Paris, each with a number and letter to assist in locating them on the maps. A note at the beginning of the volume explains how to find places based on the number and letter code. Also included in the volume is a 28-page "Memoire" explaining the methods and sources Robert de Vaugondy used to create his large plan of Paris. Octavo. Complete with title page, advertissement, table, 11 maps, 64 pp. Hardbound in marbled paper-covered boards with vellum spine. The book appears to be rebound using an old binding from a different book with new marbled paper added.

References: Pedley #118, #119 & #121.

Condition: B+

The maps and text have light soiling, scattered foxing, and a dampstain in the bottom corners of the title page, advertissement, and most of the maps, primarily confined to the blank margins. Plan III has an extended fold-out piece that is soiled, partially detached, and has a fold separation. The covers have bumped corners and the spine is worn.