FONTENELLE, Bernard le Bouyer de (1657-1757) - Oeuvres diverses. Nouvelle édition augmentée. The Hague: Gosse and Neaulme, 1728-1729. Large paper copy in folio rather than quarto, the text within a border of printer’s flowers. This edition of the works of the ‘first philosophe’ is greatly enhanced by the engravings of Bernard Picart (1673-1733), ‘the outstanding professional illustrator of the first third of the eighteenth century’ (Ray p.7). Many of the most inventive relate to Fontenelle’s scientific works, the Entretiens sur la pluralité des mondes (in vol. I), and the Histoire du renouvellement de l'Académie des sciences (vol. III). 3 volumes, folio (371 x 235mm). Engraved frontispiece portrait of Fontenelle by B. Picart after H. Rigaud, titles in red and black with engraved vignettes, 5 engraved plates, 174 engraved vignettes and culs-de-lampe, by and after Picart, text within typographical frame (few light stains). Contemporary calf, gilt spine, red edges and marbled endpapers (rebacked with part of original spine preserved, some wear) Brunet II, 1332; Cohen/de Ricci 407: ‘superbes illustrations’; Graesse II, p.612. (3) The lot is accompanied by an export license.

Estimate € 200 - 300

Sold € 300