76 - PREVOST (Abbé). The Story of Chevalier Des Grieux and Manon Lescaut. Amsterdam, published by the Company (Paris, F. Didot), 1753. Two 12mo volumes (152 x 88 mm), contemporary binding in marbled calfskin, ribbed spine adorned with title and volume number labels in red morocco, blue marbled edges.

PREVOST (Abbé). The Story of Chevalier Des Grieux and Manon Lescaut. Amsterdam, published by the Company (Paris, F. Didot), 1753. Two 12mo volumes (152 x 88 mm), contemporary binding in marbled calfskin, ribbed spine adorned with title and volume number labels in red morocco, blue marbled edges. Definitive edition, completely revised, and the first illustrated edition of Abbé Prévost’s masterpiece. Eight lovely hors-texte plates by Gravelot (2) and Pasquier (6), engraved by Lebas, and a vignette at the beginning by Pasquier, repeated in both volumes. This “highly sought-after” edition (Tchémerzine), on which all subsequent editions were based, “features notable changes in the text, including some additions—such as the incidents involving the Italian and the mirror—variants noted and published by Anatole de Montaiglon” (Harrisse, *Bibliography of *Manon Lescaut*). A very fine copy in a pleasant and fresh period binding. Small stains on two leaves of Volume I. Acquired by Émile Rossignol in 1961.