58 . 58. VOLTAIRE, Arouet François-Marie, L Henriade (...).
Paris 1770, Widow Duchesne, Saillant, Desaint, Panckoucke et Nyon, XL p.+272 pp.
One of Voltaire's major historical and poetic works describing the battles for Paris during the reigns ofHenry III and Henry IV, kings of France. The former is also the ruler of Poland in 1573-1574, and the latter is the ruler who said the famous phrase "Paris is worth a mass." Thus, the poem refers to the theme of religious wars in France in the 16th century. The work is beautifully illustrated with11 signed full-page engravings, including a frontispiece and one at the beginning of each book. In addition, 10 smaller engravings at the beginning of the text of each book. This makes a total of 21 engravings. The subject of this sale is volume one of two in a complete set of this edition, but containing the entire poem.
Age-toned binding, full leather in medium condition with numerous rubs and minor losses, especially at the edges; spine stamped and gilt with title, but worn away in parts; interior in medium condition, first liner loose and tape mark in title page fold; occasional stains, but dry; engravings in bdb and db condition; overall medium condition.
