65 - LESAGE (Alain-René). The Story of Gil Blas of Santillane. Paris, Ribou, 1715–1724–1735. Four volumes in-12 (159 x 88 mm), red morocco leather, gilt fillets on the covers, interior framing of gilt fillets and scrolls, spine with decorated raised bands, gilt edges (Godillot).

LESAGE (Alain-René). The Story of Gil Blas of Santillane. Paris, Ribou, 1715–1724–1735. Four volumes in-12 (159 x 88 mm), red morocco leather, gilt fillets on the covers, interior framing of gilt fillets and scrolls, spine with decorated raised bands, gilt edges (Godillot). First edition, illustrated with 34 etched plates. Only the eight plates in Volume IV are signed “Dubercelle In. et Fecit.” The text of this first edition of Lesage’s masterpiece was published in three installments: the first two volumes in 1715, the third in 1724, and the last in 1735. During this twenty-year span, as new volumes were published, the older ones were reprinted, and most of the sets that have survived consist of a mixture of first editions and reprints. Sets with all volumes bearing the correct publication dates, as in this case, are extremely rare. “Complete sets of these four volumes are very rare and highly sought after” (Le Petit. Bibliography of the Principal First Editions of French Writers from the 15th to the 18th Century). A fine copy, with generous margins, perfectly set by Godillot. Acquired by Émile Rossignol in 1966.