Les caracteres de Theophraste, et de La Bruyere. Avec des notes par M. Costes

New edition, and first deluxe edition in quarto format on large Dutch paper. A handsome portrait of La Bruyère engraved by Cathelin, as frontispiece. A title vignette by Gravelot and two fine headpieces by the same. Title page in red and black.
Full contemporary glazed lavallière calf binding. Smooth spine decorated. Brown morocco title label. Upper joint split at head and tail with loss of leather. A few narrow cracks along the upper joint. Surface wear at bottom of upper board, 2 small ones at bottom of lower board. Both upper corners discretely restored. Copy overall quite fresh, printed on fine paper, despite some scattered foxing.
Fine and carefully produced edition reproducing the Costes edition of 1739 for the text and notes, as well as the key to the Characters. The Discourse to the French Academy forms the final text.