Amsterdam, chez Henri Bordesius, 1711.
A total of 6 parts bound in three 12mo volumes [156 x 98 mm] illustrated with a frontispiece, with a portrait of the author and with the folding map of the region of Chinon in the 1st part and with 3 folding plates in the 6th part. Complete. Bound in stiff contemporary vellum, blind-stamped double fillet on the covers with fleur-de-lis at the corners and large central fleuron, flat spines with the handwritten title at the top, mottled edges. Contemporary binding.
“First critical and commented edition of Rabelais; it has been given by Le Duchat, in collaboration with La Monnoye.” Tchemerzine, V, 319; Plan n°133.
It is preceded by a foreword by Le Duchat and a note on Rabelais’ life. The 6th part also encloses a 67-page alphabet dedicated to the explanation of the terms used by Rabelais in his Works.
The edition is decorated with a portrait of the author engraved by W. de Broen, with 4 folding engravings, including a large map of the region of Chinon (285 x 207 mm), a representation of la Devinière (210 x 158 mm), an engraving of la Chambre de Rabelais (Rabelais’s bedroom) (175 x 158 mm) and a folding engraving picturing the outside of la Devinière and the garden, as well as a full page figure representing la Dive bouteille. The copy encloses the remarks of the first state with the frontispiece and the portrait of the author signed by de Broen.
Ancient editions of Rabelais’s Works are all very sought-after.
Very seducing copy, very pure, of this first critical illustrated edition of Rabelais’ Works, in perfect contemporary condition, in its contemporary Dutch vellum binding from the editor.
It encloses a library shelf mark from the first owner with mention of the acquisition price of the copy. Provenance: from the collection Alphonse Paillard, 1880, with ex-libris.
