Mémoires secrets pour servir à l'histoire de la République des lettres en France, ou Journal d'un observateur

New edition. It is known that the first volumes 1 to 8 appeared in 1777, then the rest staggered until 1789. This edition does not contain Bachaumont's name on the title page, unlike the original. It is not known whether the address is fictitious or real, but the typographical material appears to be Dutch. Bachaumont wrote the first volumes but they were edited by Pidansat de Mairobert who continued writing the volumes until his death in 1779, then it was Moufle d'Angersville's turn. The complete collection contains 36 volumes.

Bindings in half chocolate sheep with corners. Spine with raised bands decorated with 3 fleurons. Title and volume numbering gilt. Boards rubbed.

19th-century armorial bookplate of F. de Lagotellerie.

Retrospective chronicle of the life of belles lettres and fine arts including reviews of theatrical pieces, spectacles and opera, literary releases, anecdotes, literary and painting salons and numerous unpublished pieces in verse which make it a sought-after collection. The secret memoirs contain more than 10,000 extensive notices over 14 years; through their abundance, they form one of the most copious and precious sources for 18th-century history. This is one of the periodicals with the greatest longevity and success, thanks to adequate advertising policy. Before being collected in journal form, these were notes taken in salons by Bachaumont. Pidansat de Mairobert, with his real journalistic talent, made it into a varied and abundant collection reflecting the secular reading of the 18th century.