The Age of Louis XV.

£450 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

An early edition of the French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire's history of the court of Louis XV, the penultimate King of France of the ancien régime. With an interesting manuscript poem to the front free endpaper warding-off theft from the owner Edward Dyke (1815): 'Did you borrow this Book say Did you filch this Book away Do you know the accusers name Pray return it then for shame; Aye you have forgot, then know My name is neither Tom nor Jon Neither is it Jack nor Mike But most call me Edw[ard] Dyke' 2 vols in 1; 8vo (18 x 11 cm); half-titles and divisional title present, ad. f. at end of vol. I, dated ownership inscription and MS poem in pen to front endpaper, pen notes to final few ff and rear free endpapers; contemporary sprinkled calf, rebacked in the 19th-century, contrasting red morocco lettering-piece to spine, joints and extremities a little rubbed, very good;[2], vi, 222, [1]ad., [2], vi, 300pp. ESTC T138091.

• Binding: Hardcover

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