Best.-Nr. 16388 — (Paris), Imprimerie de Laurens Aîné et Compagnie, (1791). 3 works bound in 1 volume. vii, 144, (1, errata, 1 blank) pp.; (2), 67, (1) pp.; 11, (1) pp. 4to. Modern half morocco, marbled boards, gilt lettering to spine, top edge gilt. Martin & Walter 18992, 18993, 18994; Tourneux 17434, 17438, 17446. First editions, rare, of these works by the Intendant des Ponts et Chaussées very active while leading this department and instrumental in the realization of numerous bridges, canals and roads. The present works give a detailed overview of the various works in waiting with regards to the infrastructure of France in the early days of the Revolution: deals in detail with the canals in Bourgogne, Dôle, Picardie, the harbours of Dunkerque, Tréport, Dieppe, Le Havre, Rouen, Honfleur, Cherbourg, La Rochelle and many others. Deals furthermore with the department itself and its staff and possible reforms that should be implemented. The "Supplément" is the answer by the author to objections raised by a deputy from the North of France with regards to the works to be undertaken in the harbour of Dunkerque, and the third work is the author's reply to criticism from Gautier de Biauzat. The author is also critical of the "corvée" and the various abuses. Rare, espaecially with the supplementary texts.
