BROSSES, Charles de. Lettres historiques et critiques sur l' - Lot 20

BROSSES, Charles de. Lettres historiques et critiques sur l'Italie. Published in Paris by Ponthieu in 1799 (An VII). 3 volumes In-8. Mahogany calf, smooth spines decorated with gilt fillets and fleurons, boards decorated with gilt framing scrolls, pages untrimmed. T1: (2) ff.., VII+415 pp. ; T2 (2) ff. 455 pp. ; T3 (2) ff. 400 pp. Corners rubbed with small tears in the first volume, and minimal scuffing. Discreet traces of folding to covers. Posthumous first edition. These letters were first published in this edition by Antoine Sérieys (1755-1819), who obtained a copy. The Lettres de Charles de Brosses are the result of his long journey to Italy in 1739 and 1740. The author undertook this journey with the aim of rediscovering Salluste's history of the Roman Republic. Although his search was unsuccessful, the result is this rich description of the manners and arts of the country he visited. A complete, nicely bound copy.