NAIGEON, Jacques-André. Encyclopédie méthodique. Ancient and - Lot 263

NAIGEON, Jacques-André. Encyclopédie méthodique. Ancient and Modern Philosophy. The three volumes of the philosophy dictionary from the Encyclopédie de Panckoucke, published at the height of the Revolutionary period and edited by Naigeon, Diderot’s executor. Paris, Panckoucke, 1791–1794. 3 in-4 volumes, each bound in brown half-basane, smooth spine decorated with gold fillets and a red leather title label, marbled edges. 2 ff. n.ch., XXVI, and 858; 2 ff. n.ch. and 940; 2 ff. n.ch. and 966 pages. Bindings slightly rubbed, corners worn, spine split on the front cover of volume 3, scattered small foxing spots. First edition of the *Encyclopédie méthodique* compiled by Panckoucke, opening with a preface by Jacques-André Naigeon (1735–1810), published in the midst of the Revolutionary period. The lengthy article on “Diderot” is one of the primary sources for the biography and thought of the philosopher, of whom Naigeon was a friend and literary executor. Launched by subscription by Charles-Joseph Panckoucke in 1782, the publication of the *Encyclopédie Méthodique*, based on that of Diderot and d’Alembert, spanned nearly half a century and was distinguished by a more efficient thematic classification, bringing together a total of 43 scientific dictionaries. A fine collection.