Simple, Jean François. Vues de Mannheim représentées sur vingt six planches dessinées d'après nature ... et gravées par les fréres Klauber à Augsbourg. Avec une explication of the planches. 14 pp. With 26 plates (1 folded). 25 x 34 cm. New cardboard tape (minimum rubbing). Mannheim, C. F. Swan, 1782. Shefold Z 819. Veitenheimer 997. – First edition of this impressive series of views of the then capital of the Kurpfalz Mannheim, which under Elector Karl Theodor (1724-1799; ruled in Mannheim 1743-1777) experienced its cultural climax. Karl Theodor promoted musical life, theatre and sciences and had numerous representative buildings built, which here are more or less depicted in their original state: castle, court church, hospital church, Lutheran church, Reformed church, Zeughaus, Old and New Caserne, Parade-Platz with government, department store, observatory, comedy house and marketplace. In addition, there are representations of the city gates as well as a plan of the geometrically designed city since 1607. J. F. von Schlichten (1725-1795) had been Director of the Electoral Council since 1751. Malerkabinetts, since 1769 also teacher at the Academy (see Thieme-Becker XXX, p. 109). The Krauber brothers were at that time one of the most well-known families in Augsburg (cf. Greed-Janota p. 1272). – A little sticky and finger stained. Few tables partly slightly browned. The folded view of the lock with a recessed tear.