BOURRIT (Marc-Théodore): Description des Alpes pennines et rhétiennes, dédiée à nS. M. Très-Chrétienne Louis XVI, Roi de France et de Navarre. Genève, J.-P. Bonnant, 1781. Bound with : BOURRIT (Marc-Théodore): Description des glacières, glaciers & amas de glace du Duché de Savoye. Genève, Bonnant, 1773. Two works bound in two volumes. 11.5 by 19.5 cm. XIX-247 ; (4)-285 ; XXIV-137-3 pages. Contemporary full marbled basane, smooth spine decorated, red title-pieces. Leather missing from one cover, upper headpieces worn, two corners dulled. Paper sometimes slightly darkened, not serious, some scattered foxing. One folding engraving skilfully restored without missing. The description of the Alps is illustrated with eight beautiful etched views by Angélique Moitte and a folding map by C. G. Geissler. This is the first edition of this text, which inaugurated interest in the Alps. The description of the Glacières is illustrated with 3 engravings, two of which are fold-outs. A very rare and sought-after first edition of this seminal work of Alpine literature. The text is framed with typographical fillets and fleurons. The volume ends with an errata page and a 3-page letter from Professor De Saussure to Mr Bourrit, dated 1774. "Marc-Théodore Bourrit (1739-1819), a traveller and writer specialising in Swiss history, as well as a painter and engraver, is considered one of the pioneers of Alpine exploration and mountaineering, alongside Horace-Bénédict de Saussure and Jean-André Deluc. Although he had far fewer financial resources than the latter, his talent as a painter enabled him to compose and illustrate a series of high-quality works, which began with this Description. Rare collection of BOURRIT's first two works in first editions, printed on strong paper... .