Vie de Frédéric II. Roi de Prusse

Edition with some parts in first edition. The first 3 volumes appeared in 1787, the fourth in 1788 (12mo without engraved titles); 3 other volumes were published in 1789 as supplements, containing letters. Finally, 2 other volumes appeared in 1792 and are rarely found with the first ones, with various pieces and letters. A frontispiece portrait. 7 beautifully engraved title pages with 4 different vignettes, some repeated in volumes 5 to 7. Attribution to Thibault de Lavaux by Barbier.
Contemporary full marbled blonde calf bindings. Smooth spines decorated with 4 small fleurons. Red morocco title labels and green morocco volume labels. Spines sunned. Large rubbing to upper board of volumes I and II, less pronounced on volume V. Loss to upper joint at head of volume III, on upper board and along lower joint. Losses at tail of volume 7. Internally fresh, but 3 title pages with brown stain to margin. Good copy.
Important biography by the philologist Thiebault de Lavaux, accompanied by anecdotes and supporting documents. The account is chronological. Volume I: 1712 to 1756. Volume 2: 1756 to 1763. Volume 3: 1772 to 1785. Volume 4: private and literary life. Volumes V to 7 consist of letters about Frederick II, these are so many pieces that support the biography.