Details
MONTESQUIEU, Charles Louis de Secondat (1689-1755). Le Temple de Gnide. Nouvelle edition. Paris: Le Mire, 1772. 8° (248 x 161mm), allegorical engraved frontispiece incorporating a portrait of Montesquieu, engraved title and 9 plates by Le Mire after Eisen, headpiece above dedication, engraved calligraphic text. Contemporary red morocco gilt, sides with Greek-key outer border, inner dentelle of floral sprays and pineapple tools, flat spine gilt, green morocco lettering-piece, gilt turn-ins, gilt edges (head of spine very slightly chipped). Provenance: William James of West Dean, Sussex (1854-1912; sold by West Dean College, Christie's South Kensington, 30 November 2001, lot 48).
A FINELY BOUND COPY from the library of adventurer, bibliophile and Edwardian socialite, William James. Having extravagantly refurbished his library at West Dean in the style of Louis XVI, he filled it with equally fine books such as the present example. "With regard to suavity and grace Eisen never surpassed these plates" (Ray). Berlin Kat. 58; Brunet III, 1860; Cohen-de-Ricci 726; Ray French 32; Tchemerzine 8:445a.
A FINELY BOUND COPY from the library of adventurer, bibliophile and Edwardian socialite, William James. Having extravagantly refurbished his library at West Dean in the style of Louis XVI, he filled it with equally fine books such as the present example. "With regard to suavity and grace Eisen never surpassed these plates" (Ray). Berlin Kat. 58; Brunet III, 1860; Cohen-de-Ricci 726; Ray French 32; Tchemerzine 8:445a.
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