Les machabées, tragédie. Dédiée au roi

First edition of this play, which is followed by Romulus, whose first edition is from 1713. The second play has its own title page and privilege. Both plays belong to the same edition.
Contemporary full sheep binding. Decorated raised spine. Red morocco title label. Lower headcap worn. Lower corners bumped.
Les Machabées was first performed in 1721. The author having not judged it appropriate to reveal himself, the play caused a great stir among critics, and several connoisseurs imagined that at least the first three acts could only be by the late Racine. Playwright, poet and fabulist, Houdar de la Motte (1672-1731) even wrote operas (L'Europe galante) and ballets. He was one of the leaders of the Modern party (in the quarrel between the Ancients and Moderns), he frequented philosophical salons and literary cafés and replaced Pierre Corneille at the French Academy. He held an important place in the literary life of his time.