49. FONTENELLE (Bernard LE BOUYER de). Various... Lot 49

49. FONTENELLE (Bernard LE BOUYER de). Various works. New edition, increased & enriched with figures engraved by Bernard Picart le Romain. The Hague, Gosse & Neaulme, 1728-1729. 3 volumes in-folio, frontispiece, [5] f., 376 p., 3 plates ; [4] f., 440 p., 1 plate ; [3] f., 434 p., 1 plate. Fawn calf, triple gilt fillet on the boards, spine decorated with nerves, double-filet on the edges, gilt roulette inside. The most famous edition of Fontenelle's works. The illustration consists of a frontispiece and 5 plates engraved by Bernard Picart after Nicolas Rigaud and 3 title vignettes, 80 headers and 103 culs-de-lampe drawn and engraved by Bernard Picart. One of the rare copies in large paper, in folio format, with the text framed by a typographic frieze. The current edition was in-4° without frame. This work is considered one of the most beautiful illustrated books of the 18th century. Several headpieces torn off, corners dulled, rubbing on the edges, marginal wetness. Paper repair in the lower margin of several leaves, without affecting the text. Superb illustrations, Cohen tells us. (Cohen, 407-408)