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ALDE
90
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MÉNAGE (Gilles). Observations on the French Language.
See original version (French)
90
-
MÉNAGE (Gilles). Observations on the French Language.
See original version (French)
Estimate €500 - €600
Voluntary lot
Description
MÉNAGE (Gilles). Observations on the French Language. Paris, Claude Barbin, 1675–1676. 2 volumes in-12, blue morocco, triple gilt fillet, decorated spine, interior lace, gilt edges on marbled paper (Duru, 1859). First edition of the second volume, devoted entirely to the controversy with the Jesuit Dominique Bouhours.
The first volume of Ménage’s *Observations* had been published by the same publisher in 1672. Bouhours responded to it in 1674 in his *Doubts Concerning the French Language*.
‘These two parts of the *Observations* are of great interest for the history of our language and are rarely encountered at auction’ (cat. Guyot de Villeneuve).
A very fine copy, beautifully bound by Hippolyte Duru, one of the great masters of the nineteenth century, who was active in Paris from 1840 to 1863.
From the libraries of Guyot de Villeneuve (1900, no. 566) and Hector De Backer (1926, I, no. 42).
Tchemerzine, IV, 674 b – Brunet, III, 1615.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale
Fine antique books – A library in the Languedoc
Auction location
Auction time
10/20/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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