Gabriel de MABLY

New deluxe edition printed by Didot on deluxe vellum paper. Includes two superb engravings by Moreau, engraved by Giraud. Critical edition with preface, annotations, and Plutarch's Life of Phocion in Amyot's translation.
Copy bearing the crowned cipher of Louis-Philippe stamped on both boards. Once on the throne of France, Louis-Philippe abandoned the arms of the Duke of Orléans in favor of his crowned cipher, a symbol of his role as constitutional monarch. Later in his reign, the crown would even be removed, leaving only the bare cipher.
Later Restoration binding in red long-grain morocco, attributable to Simier, Louis-Philippe's bookbinder (Louis-Philippe had several copies bound in this exact style). Smooth spine decorated with two large vertical rocaille tools. Black morocco label. Boards gilt-stamped at center with the crowned cipher of Louis-Philippe, surrounded by an elaborate rocaille composition with interlaced fillet tools in the corners. Gilt edges. Rich inner dentelle. Blue silk endpapers. Headcap partially rubbed, same for tail. Some rubbing. One bumped corner. Scattered foxing.
A handsome copy, rare in this condition.

First edition.
Full marbled blonde calf binding. Smooth spine decorated with 4 acorn tools in compartments. One corner slightly bumped. Lacks at head of upper joint due to worming, same at foot, but over 4cm. Traces of rubbing. Good copy.
In the form of conversations, Mably details the necessary milestones for writing history and the goals it must set; The author posing the reader's interest as fundamental data for any successful historical work.