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220 pp. Large engraved folding map (Carte des Routes de Postes de l'Empire Francais. By P.F. Tardieu after J.J. Pachoux). (8vo) 19.5x12 cm (73/4x43/4"), period full calf with gilt arms of Napoleon I on covers, spine gilt, red morocco spine labels lettered in gilt.

Napoleon became ruler of France in 1804 and set about reforming the country's infrastructure including the elaborate courier system. The man placed in charge was the Postmaster General Antoine Marie Chamans, Comte de Lavalette. The large map shows the postal routes throughout the 113 Departemens of France and north-eastern Italy. Although Pierre Francois Tardieu (1711-1771) is named as the engraver, the map is probably the work of his successor Pierre Antoine Tardieu (born circa 1784), who also engraved the 1812 and 1814 editions of the Carte des Routes de Poste de l'Empire de France.Tipped-in opposite the title page is a holographic letter in French that features two wax seals. Contemporary holographic chart to the verso of the front flyleaf.