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an old book with writing on it sitting on top of a tablean old book with a red and blue design on itan old book with writing on it sitting on top of a tabletwo old books with marbled covers sitting side by side on a white surfacean old book with a bunch of writing on it sitting on top of a tablean old book with a picture of a building in the backgroundan old book with writing on it sitting on a table
KÂ- MONDO / KAPANDJI MORHANGE

239 - RESTIF DE LA BRETONNE, Nicolas-Edme.
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Estimate €200 - €400
Sale commission
Description
RESTIF DE LA BRETONNE, Nicolas-Edme. *Les Gynographes, or Thoughts of Two Respectable Women on a Draft Regulation*. Published in The Hague by Gosse and Pinet, booksellers, and available in Paris from Humblot, bookseller, 1777. In-8 (20.5 x 13 cm), paperback volumes, in marbled paper covers, a copy as originally published, with full margins. Scuffs and micro-tears on the covers. First edition with a title page for the reissue. This work, printed in Paris, had appeared the previous year, bearing only the bookseller’s address: Paris, Humblot, 1776. From 20 May 1776, Rétif began composing the *Gynographes*, the third volume of the *Idées singulières* (following *Le Pornographe* (1769) and *La Mimographe* (1770)). A curious project aimed at reforming women’s morals and social organisation, in which the author examines education, marriage and customs relating to women, before compiling a comprehensive comparative history of their condition across different societies and a list of over 700 famous women. With all the ambivalence typical of utopian theories, this ‘great admirer of women’ nevertheless attributes numerous faults and vices to them! “Impetuosity, carelessness, extravagance, treachery, darkness, baseness, sluggishness, extreme selfishness—they possess them all.” A fine, complete set of the two volumes, well preserved in their original period bindings.
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About the sale Collectors’ books for sale – First editions – Illustrated editions – Varia IV
Auction location
Auction time 11/02/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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