Description de l'Egypte
Napoleon's army occupied Egypt from 1798 to 1801. During that time the information for a comprehensive scientific description of Egypt and its history was gathered by over 160 civilian scholars and scientists who accompanied the expedition. The resulting series of publications first appeared in 1809 and grew to 23 volumes by the time the last one was published in 1829. It took the work of about 2000 artists and technicians to compile the entire work.
A set of Description de l'Egypte includes 3 volumes of elephant size plates that measure over a yard in length. The whole set is beautifully bound and impeccably illustrated with engravings and it forms an invaluable record of Egypt.
Viewing Description de l'Egypte may be arranged by calling the Art, Music & Recreation Department at 286-3071 and making an appointment with a member of the Rare Books team.
To search holdings in the Rare Books Room please click here.
Submitted by Patricia DeFrain
