LUNARDI, Vincenzo (1759-1806). An Account of the First Aerial Voyage in England, In a Series of Letters to his Guardian, Chevalier Gherardo Compagni. London: for the Author, and sold by J. Bell, and at Mr. Molini's, 1784.

8vo (227 x 133 mm). 2 engraved folding plates; half-title. With an additional stipple-engraved portrait of Lunardi by Bartolozzi laid in. Stab-sewn, uncut, with modern marbled paper on spine; red cloth slipcase. Provenance: "Marten" (signature); 19th-century title inscribed on blank leaf preceding title.

FIRST EDITION, second impression, SIGNED BY LUNARDI on half-title, THE ACCOUNT OF THE FIRST BALLOON ASCENT IN ENGLAND. This second impression, printed within weeks of the first impression, is identical in format and content to the first impression except for the addition of "Second Edition" to the title-page. J. A. C. Charles successfully made the first hydrogen balloon ascent on 27 August 1783, taking off from Paris; Montgolfier made his 1783 ascent in a hot air balloon. Following failed attempts by Emile Chevalier and John Sheldon earlier in the year, Lunardi made two ascents from London on 15 September 1784 in his hydrogen balloon named the "Charlière."


Estimate $1,000-1,500

For information please contact gretchenhause@lesliehindman.com