Mémoires [...] contenans Les vies des dames galantes de son temps [...].

2 vol., 12mo: [1-1 bl.-6]-424, 504 pp. (sl. toned, hole in front flyleaf vol. II).

Contemp. mottled calf, richly gilt spines with 5 raised bands, gilt sides, sp. edges (sl. rubbed, expertly repaired). Housed in a modern brown leather box. Very good copy.

Original edition of this work of the French historian and soldier Pierre de Bourdeille, seigneur de Brantôme (1540-1614). "His works certainly gave an admirable picture of the general court-life of the time, with its unblushing and undisguised profligacy. There is not an "homme illustre" or a "dame galante" in all his gallery of portraits who has not engaged in what Medieval Christian prescriptions as well as the Victorian society would regard as sexual immorality; and yet the whole is narrated with the most complete unconsciousness that there is anything objectionable in their conduct." (Wikipedia). According to Willems probably printed by Abraham Wolfgang in Amsterdam.
Ref. Willems 1749. - Gay/Lemonnyer III:141. - Goldsmith (BL) B-1620. - Pia (Dict.) 501-504. - Tchemerzine III:110-111. - STCN 840320744.
Prov. "De Gourdon" (old name on endpapers, partly erased). - Bookplates removed (?).