Oeuvres meslées

New edition, rare. The only quarto edition of Saint-Evremont's works. Barbin's flourished monogram on title page. The first "oeuvres meslées" appeared in 1668, without the content of pieces being similar from one volume to another. Barbin would thus publish several collections titled "Oeuvres meslées," sometimes adding new pieces. Ornamental headpieces, tailpieces and decorated initials. Privilege of 1688. This edition is often presented as a first edition and perhaps certain texts are indeed so here; in any case, Barbin required a new privilege to publish his work.
Contemporary full marbled and grained calf binding. Spine with raised bands richly decorated. Tobacco morocco title label. A slight lack to upper joint at head, a second to lower joint at foot. Gilding faded in places. Traces of rubbing. Handsome copy, in good fresh condition.
Manuscript ownership inscription "Abbaye de Contigny" on title page...
Here is what Brunet writes about the author: "Saint-Evremont attached his name to no important work, but almost all his writings are distinguished by an original style, by observations full of finesse, and by piquant criticisms." This edition contains 38 texts or parts. According to Barbin's notice, some appear for the first time. The first editions, according to Brunet, contained only 11 or 12 parts in a small duodecimo volume.