ALMANACH ROYAL, Lot n° 63

for the year 1734, calculated at the Paris Meridian. Paris, widow of Houry, 1734. In-8, red morocco, large gilt lace, coat of arms in an oval medallion at the corners, coat of arms in the centre, spine decorated, inner lace, lining and endpapers of Augsburg paper, gilt edges (Period binding). Beautiful copy bound in red morocco with the arms of the Duke of Antin. Louis-Antoine de Pardaillan de Gondrin (1665-1736), marquis then first duke of Antin, was the only son of the marquis de Montespan and the famous Françoise-Athénaïs de Rochechouart. Engaged in the military career, he was lieutenant general of the armies in 1702 and governor of Orléans in 1707. Appointed director general of the king's buildings and factories, he took part in the regency council after the death of Louis XIV and was again minister of state under Louis XV. "He was the perfect type of courtier, author of memoirs that have disappeared today; moreover, he was highly educated and had built up a large and well-stocked library, bound by the most skilful artists of the time" (OHR). The calendar is interleaved. Minor traces of wear to the binding, small angular wetness to a few leaves. OHR, 2389/4.