Antoinette DES HOULIÈRES

Fine edition published by Didot printed on laid paper with figures before letters, illustrated with a frontispiece portrait by Rochard and 3 figures by Marillier engraved by Pouce, de Ghendt. This charming edition is said to have been limited to 100 copies.
Full ripe orange morocco binding, late 19th century, signed David. Raised spine handsomely decorated, with roulettes at head and foot. Brown morocco title and volume labels. Triple fillet frame on covers. Rich interior border. Edges gilt. A very slight tear to outer edge.
Very handsome copy in a rare shade, perfectly executed in a master binding.

New edition after the original published in 1688 (a second volume was added later).
A handsome frontispiece portrait in medallion and a title vignette repeated in volume II. Title pages in red and black. Full red morocco binding late 19th century signed Thompson. Spine with raised bands decorated. Title and date gilt. Triple fillet frame on covers. Rich interior border. Edges gilt. Light rubbing at tail and lower edge. Scattered foxing. Handsome copy, perfectly executed. Madame Deshoulières was regarded as the foremost poetess of her time, and became moreover the first female academician. She held one of the most brilliant salons of the period, she was a refined and remarkably cultured mind, taking close interest in the sciences. Her poetry reflects the gallant spirit of the 17th century, but also its morality; the volumes bringing together songs, epistles, idylls, tragedies and occasional pieces. She was a précieuse, moving in the circle of Luxembourg with the Duchess of Montpensier and in a circle of libertines. The edition of her Poësies contributed greatly to her contemporary literary fame.

New edition, more complete than the previous ones. The first dates from 1694.
Contemporary full marbled calf binding. Decorated spine with raised bands. Red morocco title label. Red edges. Handsome copy.
Antoinette Ligier de la Garde was married at 13 to Sieur Deshoulières, a woman of taste and wit, she cared only to live as she pleased. She was however the first female academician (Arles). She was an original mind, whose verses contain a certain interiority. It was her friends who urged her to publish her poems which had considerable success. After her death her daughter published all of her poems, adding her own.