LA ROQUE (Siméon-Guillaume de). Lot n° 65

Les Œuvres, reveues, et augmentées de plusieurs Poësies outre les précédentes Impressions. Paris, Veuve Claude de Monstr'Œil, 1609. In-12, marbled calf, gilt coat of arms in center, ornate spine, red title page, gilt edges (18th-century binding). First complete edition of the works of this poet from Clermont-Ferrand, whose verses are harmonious and full of grace. Siméon-Guillaume de La Roque was a disciple of Desportes, whom he met in the early 1570s, and an imitator of the Italian neo-Petrarquists of the 16th century. In his dedication to Queen Marguerite, he speaks of poetry as a precious gift, and describes it as a science that should be carefully called Maistresse de la vie, fleur de l'éloquence, lumière de la doctrine, doux aliment de l'âme, & trompe de la Renommée des Dieux. Printed in italics, the edition includes many previously unpublished pieces. It includes the Amours de Phyllis, the Amours de Caritée, the Amours de Narsize, the pastoral La Chaste bergère, stanzas, sonnets, songs, elegies, Christian works and more. There are also sizains entitled Mascarades des chasseurs (pp. 375-376). A copy bearing the arms of Le Fèvre de Caumartin, from the library of Dr. Lucien-Graux. Missing the last leaf containing the excerpt of the privilege. Title restored in inner margin. Small hole deleting a word on verso of folio C2, tiny ink stain affecting text on folio O12 with deletion of a few characters. Paper a little scorched. Some marginal wormholes, not serious. Hinges, nerves and headpieces restored. J. P. Barbier-Mueller, IV-3, n°20. - N. Ducimetière, Mignonne..., n°139. - Diane Barbier-Mueller, Inventaire..., n°441.