Les cent nouvelles nouvelles. Suivent les cent nouvelles contenant les cent histoires nouveaux, qui sont moult plaisans a raconter, en toutes bonnes compagnies; par maniere de joyeuseté

Reprint by the same publisher of the first edition of 1701, illustrated with a frontispiece and 100 half-page figures by Romain de Hooghe and retouched by Picart le Romain. Rare.
Late 18th century binding (possibly later) in full red Russia leather. Foreign binding, perhaps Russian. Spine with raised bands decorated with compartmented tulip tools. Gilt title and volume label. Head and foot rolls. Decorative border on covers. All edges gilt. Headcap of volume 2 partly worn. Corners slightly bumped. A tear to the lower joint of volume 2. Despite minor defects, handsome and uncommon binding, the set in good condition and well-printed.
Les Cent Nouvelles nouvelles is the first collection of French novellas, commissioned by the Duke of Burgundy Philip the Good, to whom it is dedicated and who received it in 1462. It brings together one hundred very free tales by authors from the Burgundian court, satirical and ribald in spirit, particularly targeting women and the clergy. Pierre Champion attributes its authorship to Philippe Pot, although 36 different storytellers can be identified. Their model of inspiration is clearly Boccaccio's Decameron.
Along with La Fontaine's Contes, this represents Romain de Hooghe's finest work, who captured the spirit of each tale in a lively manner, full of fantasy and humor.