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169 - LA BRUYÈRE (Jean de). The Characters of Theophrastus, transl…
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Estimate €600 - €800
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Description
LA BRUYÈRE (Jean de). The Characters of Theophrastus, translated from the Greek: With The Characters or the Manners of this Century. Fifth original edition of La Bruyère’s Characters, beautifully bound in red morocco by Chambolle-Duru. Paris, Estienne Michallet, 1690. Volume in-12 (166 x 100 mm), full red morocco, triple gilt fillet framing the covers, spine with five raised bands, decorated with panels set with fleurons featuring small gilt ironwork, double fillet on the edges, interior lace, gilt edges on marbled paper. Binding signed Chambolle-Duru. 42 unnumbered pages, 505 pages, 3 pages for the table of contents, (1) page of privilege. Fifth edition of La Bruyère’s Caractères containing 923 characters, 164 of which had not previously been published. ‘This edition contains 923 characters, 164 of which are new. Nine have been expanded. The new remarks are indicated here by double brackets around the footnotes preceding them. A handwritten correction on p. 218, last line” (Tchemerzine). “Among the new Caractères in this edition, it should be noted that there are two which, having been reprinted in the 6th and 7th editions, were omitted from all subsequent editions” (La Rochebilière). “Between 1688 and 1696, La Bruyère published eight editions of the Caractères, with changes and additions in each. Bringing them together in a single collection is of some interest and allows the studious bibliophile to trace the various phases through which this remarkable work has passed” (Le Petit). A superb copy, fresh and clean, bound in red morocco.
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About the sale Fine antique and collectible books, manuscripts and modern illustrated works
Auction location
Auction time 06/29/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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