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an old book with a gold plated cover on a white backgroundan old book with a picture of a cat on it ' s cover
ALDE

60 - [LA FAYETTE (Madame de)] – CHARNES (Jean-Antoine de).
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Estimate €600 - €800
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Description
[LA FAYETTE (Madame de)] – CHARNES (Jean-Antoine de). Conversations on the Critique of *The Princess of Clèves*. Paris, Claude Barbin, 1679. 12mo, speckled brown calfskin, gilt coat of arms on the covers, decorated spine, marbled edges (contemporary binding). 16 unnumbered folios, 364 pp.  A rare first edition of one of the earliest works by the Abbé de Charnes (Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, 1641–1728), who was the tutor to one of Louvois’s sons.  From the moment of its publication, *La Princesse de Clèves* sparked controversy. The novel was published in 1678. That same year saw the publication of articles by Donneau de Visé and Fontenelle in the *Mercure galant*, as well as other anonymous pieces. ‘ ‘I have long observed that the most obstinate enemies of good authors are mediocre authors. People of sound judgement who do not pride themselves on writing are more inclined to do justice to merit,’ says the author in the preface to his defence of Madame de La Fayette’s novel. A fine copy bearing the coat of arms and seal of Alexandre de La Rochefoucauld, Duke of La Roche-Guyon (1690–1762), great-grandson of the author of the *Maxims*, who, it should be recalled, was a close friend of Madame de La Fayette and played an important role in the composition of her masterpiece. Cioranescu 18750.
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About the sale Xavier de Planhol Library – The Origins of the Novel
Auction location
Auction time 09/30/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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