Éloge Historique De Louis, Dauphin De France.
Paris, [P.-G. Simon for] J.-G. Mérigot 1780.
8vo (200 x 122 mm.). 73, [3]p. Woodcut title vignette.
Contemporary gilt-ruled glazed tan calf with THE ARMS OF MESDAMES DE FRANCE (see Olivier-Hermal-Roton 2514,11; hinges rubbed), flat spine gilt with a lily in each compartment, gilt-lettered morocco label, all edges gilt, blue silk marker.
Only Edition. This biography celebrates Louis, Dauphin of France (1729-65), three of whose sons would become king, Louis XVI (1754-93), Louis XVIII (1755-1824) and Charles X (1757-1836). The Dauphin’s scholarly and literary pursuits included Plato, Descartes, Newton Leibniz, Télémaque and a love of poetry. He studied Vitruvius, Michelangelo and Raphael, drew plans of fortifications and pursued domestic architecture. He applied his learning to fiscal and social questions, had a brief military career and tended two marriages and eight children, six of whom survived him. Dramatic and sentimental on his deathbed, he declared his love for his family and gave locks of his hair to his wife and to sister, Adélaïde.
Each of the three princesses, Mesdames de France, had their own library. Their books were typically bound in morocco, and all bore the same heraldic charge as here (three lilies). Color marked the property of each: red for Adélaïde de France (1732-1800), green for Victoire de France (1733-99) and citron for Sophie de France (1734-82). Bound in calf, this copy may have been destined for a member of the household. In good condition (a few light spots and smudges).
¶Cioranescu 12677; see Quentin-Bauchart’s, Les Femmes bibliophiles II: 123-130; Guigard’s Nouvel armorial du bibliophile I: 103-4; and Pearson & Co.’s Les Femmes bibliophiles 39-43.
Price: $1,400.00