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D'ARGENS, JEAN BAPTISTE DE BOYER, MARQUIS.: THE JEWISH SPY:
London, 1766. Being a Philosophical, Historical, and Critical Correspondence, by letters, which lately passed between certain Jews in Turky, Italy, France &c. Translated from the Originals into French, by the Marquis d'Argens; and now done into English. 5 volumes, complete set, third English edition (Volume V is dated in error 1765), A. Miller, J. Rivingtron, R. Baldwin, W. Johnston, and A. Shuckburgh, 1766. 12mo, 180 x 105 mm, 7 x 4 inches, pages xii, 303, (43); xii, 312, (46); xvi, 322, (56); xx, 317, (32); xxiv, 368, (26), each volume has an index at rear, bound in contemporary full calf, gilt ruled border to covers, raised bands and gilt rules to spines, gilt lettered morocco labels. All volumes but 1 slightly chipped at head of spine, 2 slightly chipped at tail, 3 volumes just starting to crack at top of upper hinge, a few corners slightly worn, minor marks and stains to covers, occasional light foxing and brown spotting, small ink spot to 1 page with loss of 4 letters, 2 pages in Volume 1 lightly soiled, not affecting text, 2 short closed margin tears, repaired, some pages lightly age-browned, small light brown stain to 2 pages in Volume III. Bindings tight and firm. A good set of a scarce work. The Marquis d'Argens (1704-1771) was a well known philosopher and man of letters in eighteenth century France. Although the title states that the letters were translated into French by the Marquis d'Argens, they were actually written by him in French and originally published as Les Lettres Juives in The Hague in a twice weekly periodical from 1736-37. Inspired by Les Lettres Persanes of Montesquieu, Boyer assumes the character of a Jewish visitor to France, writing to 2 Jewish friends, in order to satirise European customs and institutions, particularly religious institutions. The Lettres Juives were an instant and continuing success and the Engish translation first appeared in book form in 4 volumes in 1739. 12 page letter on Vampires in volume 4. Images sent on request.
Offered for GBP 250.00 = appr. US$ 371.25 by: Roger Middleton - Book number: 4639