Peter Bichsel   Fine Books

Le Sage, Alain René. Histoire de Gil Blas de Santillane. Edition ornée de figures en taille douce, gravées par les meilleures artistes de Paris. 4 vols.

With 100 engr. plates (50 by Bornet, 43 by Charpentier, 7 by Bertaux). 398 pp.; 333 pp.; 382 pp.; 368 pp. 8vo. Contemp. full calf, spines gilt with red and green label. Edges gilt. – Paris, Didot jeune for Janet and Hubert, An 3 (1795).

Classic edition of Le Sage’s (1668–1747) picaresque novel, a main work of French literature. From the library of Hugh Reveley L. L. B. of Christ Church Oxford with his engr. armorial bookplate on the inner front board in all four volumes and with his extent ms. commentary on the verso side of the title leaf of volume I and his occasional marginal notes through all four volumes. All in pencil. The Welsh Hugh Reveley (1772–1851) served as secretary to Lord Redesdale, Lord Chancellor of Ireland and Speaker of the House of Commons. – Sander 1191; Cohen/De Ricci 632. – Modern engr. bookplate on all four flyleaves. Slight browning througout. Spine ends chipped, corners bumped. – Best.-Nr. 25253