Oeuvres de Moliere. Nouvelle Edition.

MOLIèRE. [POQUELIN, Jean-Baptiste].

$9,500.00

Item Number: 130224

Paris: [Pierre Prault], 1734.

First edition, first issue of one of the greatest French illustrated books of the first half of the eighteenth century. First issue with “Comteese” in vol. VI, p. 360, line 12. Quarto, six volumes bound in full calf with gilt titles and ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, morocco spine labels lettered in gilt. Illustrated with 33 engraved plates by Laurent Cars after François Boucher, engraved frontispiece portrait of Molière by Nicolas-Bernard Lépicié after Charles-Antoine Coypel, 210 engraved head and tailpieces, and 104 engraved initials by Joullain and Cars after Boucher, Blondel and Oppenord. In near fine condition. Rebacked by MacDonald. From the library of Lady Elizabeth Anne Levinge (née Parkyns) with her bookplate and ownership signature to each volume. Additional bookplate to each volume. A very nice example of this brilliantly illustrated compendium of the works of the great French playwright.

French playwright, actor, and poet Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known by his stage name Molière, is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the French language and world literature. His extant works include comedies, farces, tragicomedies, comédie-ballets, and more. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed at the Comédie-Française more often than those of any other playwright today. His influence remains such that the French language is often referred to as the "language of Molière".