Histoire de France, représentée par figures accompagnées de discours
Paris, Chez l'auteur, F.A. David, 1787 to 1796.
Quarto, five volumes, 184; 199; 223; 192; and [iv], 206 pages plus an engraved title in each volume and a total of 140 engraved plates with tissue-guards.
Early mottled calf; spines extensively tooled in gilt, with contrasting morocco lettering-pieces; sides bordered with gilt rolls; all edges gilt; spines tanned, with the leather now somewhat brittle; a few joints splitting (but sound); covers slightly worn; backstrip of the first volume partially detached; some plates a little tanned; occasional light foxing; half a dozen closed tears to margins; a few other minor signs of age and use, but internally a crisp, clean, wide-margined set in very good condition, meriting a sympathetic restoration of the bindings.
The 140 plates, illustrating scenes from French history to 1768, are engraved by François-Anne David after designs by Nicolas Lejeune. The 'Gazette nationale ou le Moniteur universel' for 5 November 1794 contains a lengthy advertisement for David's series of illustrated histories, indicating that the print run included a deluxe issue with the plates printed in 'bistre sanguin anglais' on wove paper; this set is from the standard issue printed in black ink. [5 items].
Item #133057
Price (AUD):
$1,500.00