LIGNE, Charles-Joseph de. New collection of letters from the - Lot 237

LIGNE, Charles-Joseph de. New collection of letters from the Feld. Maréchal Prince de Ligne in reply to those written to him. German edition of these letters from a great seducer. Weimar, Bureau of Industry, 1812. 2 volumes in 2 volumes in-8, half mahogany calf with corners, smooth spine decorated with gilt fillets and fleurons, red edges. 220 pp. ; 177 pp. engraved frontispiece. Epidermure on spine of first volume, some foxing and discharge of frontispiece. Collection of letters by Charles-Joseph de Ligne (1735-1814) addressed to various personalities of his time, including Voltaire and the Princesse de Clary, but also to "a young lady born in Holland" and "a young Greek from Cephalonia". The set is introduced by a portrait of the author engraved by Schwerdtgeburth after Jagemann. A man of letters and great Austrian seducer, the Prince de Ligne frequented the most beautiful courts of Europe, and was close to Casanova, Catherine II of Russia, Rousseau, Voltaire and Goethe. This edition closely follows that procured by Madame de Staël in 1809. A good copy of this amusing correspondence.