La Veritable Grandeur D’Ame.
Paris, J. Delusseux 1732.
12mo (125 x 79 mm.). [xii], 311, [1]p.
Contemporary blind-ruled red morocco (scuffed), GILT ARMS OF THE MESDAMES DE FRANCE (Olivier-Hermal-Roton 2514,6), gilt spine with title, rules, dots, crosses, fleurons and pointillé flowers, all edges gilt over marbling.
Second Edition of this popular moral treatise praising magnanimity. Magnane identifies and defines human follies such as impertinence, flattery, debauchery, vanity, avarice, malicious criticism and prejudice which lead to corruption. He devotes two chapters to games, gambling and the abuse of amusements. He recommends that one only seek entertainment which enriches the mind or the body, using King Solomon’s interests in hunting, music, history, architecture and agriculture as examples of pious pursuits. He closes with examples of dangerous sayings followed by sixty-one maxims for “persons of quality”. First published anonymously in 1725, it was expanded for this edition and saw a third (1740).
A military officer who retired to live a quiet life of devotion, Magnane’s generosity is documented throughout his life, including financially supporting local religious institutions and, helping clergymen receive clerical titles.
This is Adélaïde de France’s copy, one of the three daughters of Louis XV. All had their own libraries which were differentiated by color, red for Adelaïde (1732-1800), green for Victoire (1733-1799) and citron for Sophie (1734-82). “Of the three Princesses, Madame Adélaïde is the only one to have secured her place among true bibliophiles” (Quentin-Bauchart, tr.), with a collection numbering some 10,000 volumes. In good condition (some smudges), bookplate of the De Wal de Baronville family.
¶Bechu, “Un Gentilhomme dévot au XVIIIe siècle: Henri-François de Racappé” in Annales de Bretagne et des pays de l’Ouest 89/1 (1982) 39-59; Cioranescu 41300; see Quentin Bauchart’s Les femmes bibliophiles 123-30.
Price: $2,800.00