18th-Century Literature
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First edition illustrated by Boucher. 6 vol. 4to. (29.1 x 22 cm). pp. [6], lxiv, lxvii-lxxii, 330; pp. [6], 447; pp. [6], 442; pp. [6], 420; pp. [6], 618; pp. [6], 554, with half-titles, engraved portrait by Lépicié after Coypel, titles with large vignette, 33 engraved plates by L. Cars after F. Boucher, 198 vignettes and culs-de-lampe including repeats, historiated initials, the odd, very random spot, mostly to the last few leaves of volume V, the half-title-page of volume IV and the first blank endpaper at the rear of volume I, which also has a small hole (probably a paper flaw rather than damage); browning (oxidisation) to one area of the half-page of volume III, otherwise very clean and bright, contemporary marbled calf gilt, triple fillet border on boards, spines in 6 compartments lavishly decorated with floral and foliate motifs, morocco labels lettered in gilt to second and third, raised bands, in very good order, commensurate with their age, a little rubbed at extremities with a notable abrasion and small loss to the surface at the base of the upper board of volume I, otherwise, very good.
£5,000 -
Two works in 1 vol. Prislowi Czeska: ff.136; wanting final blank, G6; edges gilt. Moralia Catonis, [2], 116, [2pp., mild age-toning, 19th-century full crimson morocco, spine lettered in gilt, devices of Stirling-Maxwell to boards in blind, light rubbing to joints.
£1,750