POMMEREUL (François-René-Jean de). Histoire de... Lot 27

[POMMEREUL (François-René-Jean de)]. Histoire de l'isle de Corse. Berne: Société typographique. 1779. 2 volumes in-8, (4)-102-279-(one blank) + (4)-347-(5 of which the first blank) pp. in tortoiseshell basane, smooth spines with partitions and fleurons, fawn titles and tomaison, blue speckled edges; spines faded, headpieces and corners worn, small leather chips on the boards, an ink stain on a corner of the edge (contemporary binding). FIRST EDITION. Copper-engraved vignette by Balthasar-Anton Dunker repeated in the titles, depicting an allegory of France pointing to Corsica on a map. WRITTEN IN CORSICAN BY AN ARTILLERY OFFICER OF THE FRENCH EXPEDITIONARY ARMY IN 1768-1769. Begun in Corte and completed in Bastia, this History mainly comprises a detailed account of the expedition to Corsica, preceded by a general presentation of the island and a reminder of its ancient history. With frequent general developments on the island's inhabitants, to whom the author claims to have devoted friendly feelings. Some passages are strikingly prophetic: "If it has been rightly observed that great men of all kinds are born from the bosom of civil discord, and that the Corsicans wish to enjoy the peace that France gives them, we must expect to see great geniuses as well as great generals emerge from this island" (p. 100). ONE OF THE EXAMINERS OF THE YOUNG NAPOLEON BONAPARTE AT BRIENNE, FRANÇOIS-RENE-JEAN DE POMMEREUL (1745-1823) was a colonel in 1785, but was surprised by the Revolution while in Naples. It was Napoleon Bonaparte's protection that enabled him to resume a successful career: in 1796, he was removed from the list of emigrants, reinstated in the army, made Major General, Prefect, State Councillor and Director General of the Bookshop. Proscribed by Louis XVIII, he was exiled from 1815 to 1819. He published numerous personal works and various translations from Italian. Provenance: Xavier Versini (ex-libris, i.e. his signature on the title of the first volume and on p. 11 of both volumes, as well as his initials on p. 26 of both volumes).