PETITOT, Claude-Bernard, and MONMERQUE, Louis. Complete Coll - Lot 266

PETITOT, Claude-Bernard, and MONMERQUE, Louis. Complete Collection of Memoirs Relating to the History of France [...] with biographical notes on each author and commentary on each work. One of the most significant and impressive historiographical and historical collections, complete in its 131 volumes, in uniform bindings by René Simier. Paris, Foucault, 1820–1829 and 1824–1826. 131 vols. in-8 (52+79), beige half-calf, spine with guilloché false raised bands adorned with gilt fillets and fleurons, marbled edges. Binding signed “Simier R. du Roi.” Not collated. Spines sun-faded, normal wear and tear, and some missing sections (notably part of the headbands); many worn or split joints; foxing. A rare complete set of one of the principal historiographical references on the history of France before the Revolution, comprising numerous reference texts that have become difficult to obtain. Two series of 52 and 79 volumes, respectively, make up the complete set—131 volumes reproducing nearly 120 works, primarily memoirs. The first series (1824–1826) covers the period from Philip Augustus to the beginning of the 17th century (52 vols.), while the second (1820–1829) covers the period from the accession of Henry IV to the Treaty of Paris concluded in 1763 (79 vols.). Each series concludes with an analytical table of contents. The entire set was bound by René Simier (1772–1843), the king’s bookbinder and one of the leading figures in his profession in the early 19th century. A fine, rare, and complete collection.