The first large size prints of Moscow. A fine, complete example of Cadolle's first Russian work, showing dramatic views of the Russian capital during the Golden Age. Published in the year of the Decembrist revolt.

August Cadolle (1782-1849) spent several years living in Russia, and published the present work on his return to Paris, in 3 issues; the first two contained 3 plates each, while the final issue contained 4 plates. The rare original wrappers of the present copy belong to the last issue, but still boast the enthusiastic and detailed prospectus of the first issue. This same combination, according to Klepikov, can be found in the National Library of Russia (St. Petersburg). Klepikov also claims that the copy in the State Library of Russia (Moscow) is incomplete. The album includes 10 illustrations, lithographed by masters including Deroy, A. Joly, Lemaitre, Fragonard, Renoux, Jacottet and Dupressoir.

First edition; elephant folio (73.6 x 54 cm); letterpress title, two leaves of explanatory text and leaf of subscribers, lithographic dedication leaf, and ten lithographic plates after Cadolle by Deroy, coloured in a contemporary hand, with some light creasing to the plates, occasional light spotting mainly confined to the letterpress leaves; contemporary quarter red morocco over red paper covered boards, extremities expertly repaired and furbished, most notably to top right corner of upper cover, a very good copy.