Encyclopediana, ou dictionnaire encyclopédique des Ana
Chez Panckoucke|à Paris 1791|20 x 26 cm|relié
€500
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⬨ 42627
First edition. According to the preface, it was intended to complement L'Encyclopédie méthodique published by Panckoucke. Contemporary full brown sheep binding. Raised band spine decorated with fillets. Red morocco title-label. Small lacks to head and tail. Rubbing. Traces of old restorations to corners and tail. First three leaves (including endpaper) creased. The Anas, which were particularly popular in the 17th century, are collections of various thoughts, anecdotes and witticisms, arranged in the greatest disorder and intended for the public as intellectual entertainment. The originality of this work lies in having assembled them in dictionary form, though without citing the authors. The whole forms a monumental ana which can thus be browsed from beginning to end, with pleasure, surprise and instruction: it should be noted that history and historical figures are given pride of place.