LA PYROTHECNIE PRATIQUE, ou Dialogues entre un Amateur des feux d'Artifice, pour le Spectacle, & un Jeune homme curieux de s'en instruire. by (GRIGNON & LALAING).:

Paris, L. Cellot, & Jombert fils jeune, 1780.. FIRST EDITION 1780. French text, 8vo, approximately 200 x 120 mm, 8 x 4¾ inches, 1 folding table, 6 of 7 folding plates, (PLATE IV IS MISSING), pages: xxxviii, (2), 340 including Explanation of the Plates, bound in full antique calf, raised bands and gilt decoration to spine, gilt lettered morocco label, all edges red. Hinges cracked at tail, maximum 60 mm (2½ inches), lower hinge just starting to crack at head, covers holding firmly, tiny chip to leather on lower hinge, just showing on spine, some slight surface cracks to spine, very slight chipping to head and tail, covers show surface pitting, corners just slightly worn, inner paper hinges cracked, small early cutting about the publisher pasted to second endpaper, intermittent damp stains to lower corners and upper third of the page on title page and first 69 pages, Plate V has some large pale damp stains, the rest of the contents are clean, small closed tear and tiny chip to lower corner of title page. Binding tight and firm. A good copy (lacking 1 plate as noted). This book covers a very wide range of recreational fireworks and how to make and use them. Chris Philip, A Bibliography of Firework Books, page 66, No. G120.1. MORE IMAGES ATTACHED TO THIS LISTING, ALL ZOOMABLE. FURTHER IMAGES ON REQUEST. POSTAGE AT COST.