Essais historiques sur Paris.

POULLAIN DE SAINT‑FOIX, Germain‑François Essais historiques sur Paris. Paris, la veuve Duchesne, 1766‑1777 Seven volumes, 12mo. Volume I (1766) 370 pp. , volume II (1766) 336 pp. , volume III (1766) 373 pp. , volume IV (1766) 236 pp. , volume V (1766) 239 pp. + 139 pp. (table of contents), volume VI (1776) 486 pp. , volume VII (1777) 405 pp. The series was first published in 5 volumes in 1766, hence the large table of contents in volume 5. Then, ten years later, in 1776, came a 6th volume which was meant to be the last, and finally the final volume 7 in 1777. Contemporary full calf binding with decorated raised bands spines, title and volume labels in red morocco, red edges. Engraved portrait of the author as frontispiece to volume I. Light wear to corners and headcaps; bindings sound and uniform. Small crack to the upper joint of volume 3. Interiors fresh. An 18th-century work describing Paris through its history, its streets, its monuments and the daily life of its inhabitants. Saint‑Foix combines historical facts and anecdotes to give a vivid portrait of the city before the Revolution. A complete set, rare on the market.