Description
FIRST EDITIONpublished in Rouen under the false address of London, of this translation-adaptation of 6 songs of the Paradis Perdu by Milton, given by Anne-Marie du Boccage.
Illustrated with a frontispiece and 2 culs de lampe after Pierre, a title vignette after Durant and 6 chapter vignettes after Gravelot, all engraved in intaglio by Louise le Daulceur (Louise le D.).
The text is preceded by an epistle of dedication "to the gentlemen of the Academy of Rouen"; in 1746, Anne-Marie du Boccage was awarded the prize of the Academy of Rouen, something exceptional for a woman.
Sound Earthly Paradise was a great success and encouraged the poetess to try her hand at verse tragedy and epic, becoming a pioneer in these literary fields usually reserved for men.
A counterfeit, also bearing a false London address and the date 1748, has the signature ʺDemeuse fecit" at the foot of the engravings - ex-libris stamp "De Talhouet - du Cabinet de la Lambardais" (Château de la Lambardais, Ille-et-Vilaine).
A fine copy in contemporary binding.
Bound in contemporary marbled calf, smooth spine decorated with gilt filleting, red morocco title page, triple gilt filleting on covers, filleting on edges, red edges. 3 corners rubbed, some spotting, small hole at foot of lower jaw.
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FR