First edition (cf. Barbier, III 1145; Monglond, IX 756).
Contemporary half sheep in brown, smooth spine gilt with decorative rolls and stars now partly dulled, joints rubbed, red and dark green morocco lettering-piece, author’s name gilt at the foot, marbled paper boards, a few small abrasions to the edges, corners softened, sprinkled edges, period binding.
Scattered marginal foxing.
Alphonse-Toussaint-Joseph-André-Marie-Marseille, comte de Fortia de Piles (1758–1826), pursued a military career while composing operas, then emigrated during the Revolution and travelled throughout Europe with his friend the chevalier de Boisgelin.
Upon his return to France, he...