Legrand, Augustin

LEGRAND, Augustin Petite bibliothèque portative, faisant suite à la petite bibliothèque des enfans. Paris Imprimerie de Rignoux 1823 10 vols. in-32 carré (pet. angular mouill. and qqs. min. taches et piqûs au vol. 6). Br. with printed green paper covers (small tear to one cover, slight rubbing to spines). In slipcase with original label (restored, later ribbons). Nice set. First edition of this charming miniature encyclopedia, complete with 10 ill. vols. of 69 steel-engraved plates, not s. but probably by the author. Contains: 1. morality in action. - 2. mythology or poetic history. - 3 Geography. - 4 Fables. - 5 History of France. - 6 Tales. - 7. natural history. Animals. Part 1. Mammals - 8. Id. Animals. Part 2. Insects and birds. - 9. id. Animals. Fish [- Minerals. Part 3]. - 10 Id. 2nd part. Botany or the Plant Kingdom. Large label with collection title and vol. list preserved on box. Legrand (1765-1856) was an author, publisher, illustrator and engraver, and one of the pioneers of children's books. Ref. Desse, J. - "Augustin Legrand, un pionnier inconnu du livre jeunesse", in Strenae. 10, 2016, n° 46.