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Osenbrüggen, Gs.
Das Hochgebirge der Schweiz.
Basel: Chr. Krüsi, [ca. 1868].
4to (approx. 12 x 9 in). [2], 304 pp. With engraved title and 52 steel-engraved plates after photographs by J. J. offerermann, C. Huber et al. Contemporary purple cloth, covers decoratively blind-stamped, gilt titles to front cover and spine, decorative gilt spine compartments.
Early illustrated alpine view book, complete with 52 finely engraved plates depicting the dramatic scenery of the Swiss Alps, glaciers, and rocky landscapes, after early photographic sources. Issued by Christian Krüsi of Basel and simultaneously distributed in London, Paris, and New York, this lavish pictorial work catered to the growing nineteenth-century fascination with Alpine travel and natural wonders. The detailed topographical text is by Professor Gs. Osenbrüggen.
The plates include iconic Swiss landscapes such as the Jungfrau, Grindelwald glacier, Wetterhorn, Gorge de Trient, Zermatt, Monte Moro, and the Pilatus, among others, each accompanied by descriptive text. A handsome example of mid-nineteenth-century Alpine book production, blending romantic landscape art with scientific topography.
Condition: Binding somewhat sunned, particularly at spine and edges, as typical for purple cloth of the period; light rubbing to extremities. Text and plates with scattered to heavy foxing, notably on tissue guards and margins, but impressions remain clear. Complete with all 52 plates as called for.
References: cf. Schuler Auktionen, Basel (1868 issue); similar collation noted in OCLC and German bibliographies.
