Les amours de Théagène et Chariclée. Histoire éthiopique

First printing of this illustrated edition whose translation by Abbé Desfontaines was first published in 1729. One frontispiece, 5 figures for volume I and 6 for volume II, including the plate entitled Conclusion which is often lacking, and 10 title headpieces. The plates are unsigned. A handsome edition, well printed.

Contemporary full marbled glazed calf binding. Smooth spine decorated (grape cluster tools). Red morocco title and volume labels. Triple fillet frame on boards. All edges gilt. 2 corners slightly bumped. Handsome copy.

L'Histoire Ethiopique is undoubtedly, along with L'âne d'or by Apuleius, the most famous of the Latin and Greek novels, and it is the only one to be the origin of the adventure novel; the plot is simple, two lovers whom life's vicissitudes will constantly separate; the book accumulates twists of fate and gave birth to abundant literature, especially in the 18th century.

19th-century engraved armorial bookplate of Baron de Fleury; manuscript ownership inscription of Jules Bobin at the top of the first endpaper.