Les delices de l'esprit : dialogues dediez aux beaux esprits du monde

First edition of 1658, with a relay title at Lambert's address and dated 1661. Apart from the title page, the only notable difference is the removal of the epistle to Cardinal Mazarin who died on 9 March 1661. The illustration was created by François Chauveau: 4 ornamented frontispiece titles, 15 plates whose subjects are placed at the center of flowered letters and figures, and 5 plates decorated only with large figures. The text is enhanced with 135 head- and tailpieces and initial letters engraved on wood in the style of the frontispieces and plate figures. A slip indicating the transfer of privilege dated 12 September 1659 has been pasted at the bottom of the privilege extract. On the last leaf, an errata has been mounted by the publisher.
Modern binding in full glazed brown Russia leather (straight-grained moroccoized calf). Jansenist spine with raised bands. Red glazed calf title label. Fillet at head and headcap and framing the covers. Perfect condition of this binding executed in very fine leather.
The work is considered the first expression of baroque ornamentation, and is certainly its greatest achievement. A spiritual work, both philosophical and theological, the book exposes through dialogues, over thirty days and four parts, the conversion of the worldly and sensual Philédon to the contemplative and pious life by his now converted friend Eusèbe. The dialogues each have a subject or theme: On the immortality of the soul, On the delights of philosophy, The city of true pleasure. Allegorical commentaries on biblical texts follow the dialogues: Genesis, The Apocalypse...