Joseph-Alexandre de SÉGUR

Fine copy of the illustrated new edition of 1820, printed in 4 volumes, enriched with The Influence of Women during the Empire and historical notes by Charles Nodier.

Half burgundy embossed shagreen, smooth spine decorated with gilt friezes and fillets, marbled paper boards, yellow-stained edges. Corners of headcaps rubbed, wear to joints and some foxing. Scratch to spine of volume 2.

This copy contains 4 frontispieces engraved by Ad. Godefroy after drawings by Chasselat. The title pages of the four volumes bear a contemporary manuscript ex-libris: "Louis Perrot."

Some defects within this copy: in volume 2, edges slightly damaged; in volume 3, old restorations to the title page; in volume 4, one leaf folded at upper left corner p. 70, small corner chips to pp. 125 and 139 (not affecting text), slight corner tears to pp. 213 and 267, 4 pages stuck together (pp. 241, 242, 243, 244) and a wormhole p. 261.

First edition?
Contemporary full blonde calf binding. Smooth spine decorated with gilt compartments and fleurons, as well as a brown morocco title label. Gilt fillet and dotted lines on boards. Greek key roll in blind framing the pastedowns. Gilt rolls and lines on edges and headcaps. All edges gilt.
Corners rubbed, otherwise a handsome copy.
Joseph Alexandre de Ségur is the brother of the Comte de Ségur, he is the author of light comedies and songs. His brother, whose career as a statesman was ruined by the Revolution and who was condemned to live by his pen, becoming a historian, curiously also published a collection of tales and songs in 1801.
Bookplate from the library of Henri Bachimont (Henri Bresles), French composer and songwriter.