M. David

Rare first edition, magnificently illustrated with 5 engraved titles and 140 out-of-text figures printed in sanguine on heavy paper, with a specific ornamental border for each volume, corresponding to each period described by each volume. Printed on deluxe laid paper. The engravings are by David after drawings by Lejeune. The prints are particularly well-inked and of a superb deep red, they are the first proofs in France of English blood bistre. The last volume is dated 1796, the fourth 1791. Volume IV uses a superior, slightly bluish, finer paper, as does volume II for its half-title and title.
Publisher's binding in full mottled and glazed blonde calf, spine with raised bands beautifu