LA BRUYÈRE, Jean de. Les Caractères de Théophraste traduits - Lot 111

LA BRUYÈRE, Jean de. Les Caractères de Théophraste traduits du grec, avec les Caractères ou les Moeurs de ce siècle. Published in Paris by Estienne Michallet in 1694. In twelve / In-12 format. Mahogany speckled calf. Spine ribbed, decorated with gilded caissons, fleurons and title. Red speckled edges. (18)-716-xliv-(5) pages. Eighth original edition, containing 1,120 characters, 46 of which were previously unpublished. It includes the speech on Theophrastus, Les Caractères ou Moeurs de ce Siècle, followed by the speech delivered in the French Academy, published here for the first time with the Caractères. Copy in a fine contemporary full mahogany calf binding. Spine with 5 ornate nerves, gilt fleurons and arabesques, gilt dauphin and fleur-de-lys surmounted by crowns at the tail, gilt title on beige morocco. Borders and spines decorated with gilt roulettes. Red speckled edges, colored paper endpapers. Text adorned with attractive floral headbands, lettrines and lamp-ends. Handwritten annotations in the margins of the text. Rubbing to spine having faded the ornamentation of the nerves, upper cover partly blown off, lower cover damaged (with a slightly split jaw), a few scratches on the boards, corners dulled and a little crushed. Fresh interior, free of foxing. Very satisfactory condition.