Molière illustrated by Boucher, first print.

• 6 volumes in-4, full period granite calfskin, cold fillets framing the covers, spine richly decorated with small irons, interior lace, 1: (3)ff.- LXX- 330 pp., 1 portrait and 4 figs. – 2: (3) ff- 466 pp. 6 fig. – 3: (3) ff.- 442 pp. 6 fig. – 4: (3)ff.- 420 pp. 6 fig. – 5: (3)ff.- 618 pp. 5 fig. – 6: (3)ff.- 554 pp. 6 fig. Or: a forehead portrait. by Coypel, flagship title repeated in each volume, 33 superb plates after Boucher engraved by Laurent Cars. 198 vignettes and lamp bases, several of which are repeated, by Boucher, Blondel and Oppenard, engraved by Joullain and Cars. Some very skillful and old restorations. Beautiful copy.

Boucher's masterpiece, as an illustration, and one of the most beautiful books of the first part of the XVIIIth century. (Cohen). “This abundant illustration by Boucher enlivens the entire work with majestic cheerfulness, uniting classical rigor to the splendor of the Regency; the great compositions are models of psychological truth and ornamental success, the expressions, attitudes, costumes, settings and landscapes combining with rare happiness” (Pierre Berès, Belles-lettres au siècle des Lumières, n ° 99). Marc-Antonin Joly establishes the text according to the original editions of Molière. Life of Molière placed at the head and notes, by La Serre. Copy of the first print conforming to Tchémerzine (“comteese” instead of “countesse” volume 6, page 260).