Histoire de Gil Blas de Santillane

Definitive, important edition, revised by the author, and on which all future editions will be based. It should not be confused with the counterfeit (which can be distinguished by some differences) published on the same date and which is only a reprint of the first editions published in 1715 (first 2 volumes), 1724 (third volume) and 1735 (fourth volume) where the figures are reversed and of rather mediocre printing (thus the canon in the first figure appears on the right whereas he should be on the left).
This edition is rare and sought after. "This edition, which has become uncommon, presents numerous corrections and considerable additions by the author, which amount to no less than a hundred pages; it should therefore be regarded as the first good edition of Le Sage's masterpiece." Brunet, III, 1006. Title pages in red and black. Headcap of volume 1 partly lacking, that of volume II worn, revealing the headband. A small lack at the head of volume IV. Upper joint of volume IV split at tail. Narrow incipient crack at lower joint of volume I. Small lack to volume label of volume IV. Some corners slightly bumped. Overall relatively fresh, the first leaves of each volume with some pale foxing or yellowing. Good copy.
The illustration comprises 32 figures re-engraved from the originals published in the 3 first editions.
Full marbled and glazed calf binding. Smooth spine decorated. Red morocco title label, red morocco volume labels.
It is now perfectly established that one cannot accuse Lesage's immortal masterpiece, the last baroque fire of the picaresque novel, of plagiarism; if Lesage drew his material from elsewhere, it nonetheless remains that Gil Blas is an original and personal work. We find there the misadventures of a picaro, as roguish as possible, who through his multiple encounters creates a satirical portrait of contemporary society.