Opuscules

Counterfeit of the Cazin 1781 edition of these erotic pieces, Madagascan songs and literary miscellanies. According to the permission placed at the end of the second volume, this fourth edition would have been printed in 1,500 copies. It is illustrated with 2 engraved title-frontispieces, bearing the mention "Fifth edition", and 5 figures etched by Coulet. Copy on blue-tinted laid paper.
Later (19th century) bindings in full blue morocco, decorated in Du Seuil style, signed Allô. Spines with five raised bands richly decorated with compartments, fleurons, fillets and gilt dentelles. Six-fold frame of gilt fillets and corner fleurons on boards. Gilt fillet emphasizing edges and headcaps. Wide gilt dentelles framing the marbled paper pastedowns. All edges gilt. A few very minor scuffs and boards slightly dulled, otherwise a handsome copy.
The Chevalier de Parny (1753-1814) was born on Île Bourbon (present-day Réunion). He stayed in France as a seminarian then officer, before returning to his native island, which permeates his Madagascan songs.
From the library of Léon Rattier, with his bookplate.