Nouvelles françaises

First edition, illustrated with 10 fine figures, 10 headpieces, and 10 tailpieces by Martini and Desrais, engraved by Gaucher. Each of the 10 novellas has a half-title and title page, dated from 1775 to 1779. The illustration is particularly well executed.
Contemporary full speckled and porphyry sheep bindings. Smooth spines decorated. Upper headcap of volume I worn. Lacks at foot of volume I. Lacks at head of volume II. Corners rubbed, some bumped. Fresh overall, with some rare and pale foxing. Good copy.
Journalist, writer and Freemason historian, D'Ussieux composed these historical novellas after those of the Décaméron français, a similar work. They can be compared to those of Baculard D'Arnaud. These novellas corresponded to the public's taste for history and drama. Table of works: Louis de Bourbon, prince de Condé; Françoise de Foix, Comtesse de Chateaubriand; Faldoni et Thérèse; Angélique de Limeuil; Les deux Sophies; Saint Agnès et Corneville; Charlotte de Savoir, reine de France; Marie de Bourgogne; Françoise de Beauville; Alexis.
A dry stamp with monogram repeated on several pages. Complex monogram, inside a large C, the intertwined letters STE.