Narrative of an Ascent to the Summit of Mont Blanc, on the 8th and 9th August, 1827.

Auldjo, John.

Published by London: Printed for Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green, 1828

About this Item

First edition. Large 4to. pp. xi, 120; 7 lithographs on India paper, 11 other lithographs (1 folding panorama), 4 maps and charts (3 folding, 2 coloured); some waterstaining throughout, affecting lower half of all plates and of the prelims., ?adhesion mark to front free endpaper, good only in contemporary full diced calf, spine elaborately gilt, a.e.g., darkening to boards due to water-staining. A presentation copy, inscribed to front blank "His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex &c. &c. &c. with Mr. Auldjo's humble Duty", and with the armorial bookplates of the Duke of Sussex and Christopher Turnor of Stoke Rochford. Generally considered to be one of the most important publications in the history of Alpine literature, the narrative of the 15th ascent of Mont Blanc by the Scottish climber, John Auldjo (1805-1886), contains not only a fascinating record of the climb but also some magnificent plates, including a long folding panorama of the Mont Blanc Chain. Auldjo actually attained the summit hauled by his guides, having been overcome by exhaustion. He nonetheless received the Gold Medal of Civil Merit from the King of Prussia and several other awards for his efforts. This copy, sadly marred by heavy waterstaining, was presented by the author to Prince Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex; the two men may have been known to one another as freemasons.

Seller Inventory # 29177

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Narrative of an Ascent to the Summit of Mont Blanc, on the 8th and 9th August, 1827.
• Publisher: London: Printed for Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green
• Publication Date: 1828
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Fair
• Signed: Inscribed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Alps
  • Signed
  • Mountaineering