Histoire de France représentée par figures, accompagnées de discours

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 beautifully decorated with four compartmentalized fleurons, red morocco title labels and green morocco volume labels, triple fillet frame on boards, roulette on cuts and interior, edges gilt with superior gold.
Head of volume I split, upper joint of volume I cracked at head and foot and one corner bumped. A lack at head of volume II and two corners slightly bumped. A lack at head of volume III. Corners rubbed. Head of volume IV split, upper joint narrowly cracked at foot, lower joint cracked at head and three corners bumped. Head of volume V split, foot worn, upper and lower joints cracked at head and foot, two corners bumped.
Despite the flaws, handsome set in quality binding with superb mottling on the boards.
This luxury publishing venture, entirely directed by François-Anne David was done by subscription and was only printed in 450 copies. This is the very example of the art book, the illustration being on equal footing with the text. David neglected nothing to achieve perfection, calling upon the best historians of his time and the best draftsmen. The text is by Guyot and Sylvain Maréchal.