Stanislas Jean de BOUFFLERS

First edition.
Contemporary full porphyry sheep binding. Raised band spine decorated. Brown morocco title label. Triple gilt fillet frame on the boards. Split headcaps. Upper joint cracked at foot. Overall rubbed.
A succession of short tales (mostly in first person) taking place in the salons and places frequented by good society, dialogues, conversations, the whole serving as a literary and pleasant framework for political and moral anecdotes, specifically concerning the years 1786 and 1787. The Chevalier's pen is particularly lively and sharp in these vividly sketched scenes.

First edition, illustrated with a title vignette and 14 compositions by Albert Lynch, two in colors, all engraved by Gaugean; the text has been entirely engraved in cursive letters by Leclere. Printed by Maison Quentin. Grand Velin d'Arches.
One of the first 50 nominative copies to Mme Edmond-Adam, no. 2, extra-illustrated with her etched portrait (before letters) and of Boufflers by Hilaire Le Dru. Total edition of 115 numbered copies.
Three-quarter navy morocco signed by Jarrigeon. Smooth Jansenist spine. Gilt title and date at foot. Original wrappers preserved. Head slightly faded. Very handsome copy. This charming libertine tale first appeared in 1762; it is certainly the most characteristic work of its author.

First edition collected and published by E. de Magnieu & H. Prat.
Half navy sheep binding, smooth spine with minor rubbing to foot, light scratches of no importance to edges, contemporary binding.
Work illustrated with an engraved portrait of the Countess of Saban as frontispiece.
Some minor foxing of no importance affecting mainly the edges.