118 - LEMERCIER LOUIS JEAN NÉPOMUCÈNE: Chants héroïques des montagnards et matelots Grecs. Paris, 1824

LEMERCIER LOUIS JEAN NÉPOMUCÈNE: Chants héroïques des montagnards et matelots Grecs. Paris, 1824 First edition of an important book on Greek popular songs during the Revolution. Tall in 8vo, beautiful contemporary hard paper boards in almost fine condition, edges marbled. Some foxing, as usual for this book, mostly scattered. Complete: half title, title, [1], 140 p. Overall in almost very good condition. One of the most important Philhellenic works. The account begins with a detailed presentation of the heroic songs of the Greeks of Souli, such as the exile of Photos, the fall of Souli, the death of Despo, the fall of Parga and others. Each popular song is accompanied by commentary providing the actual historical background. This is followed by many heroic songs from Morea, the islands, and other parts of Greece, such as The Tomb of the Klepht, Androutzos, The Death of Gekas, Boukouvalas, and many more. In total, around 50 Greek popular songs are presented. The Greek popular songs are an invaluable source of historical, ethnographical, and topographical value. They represent the essence of daily Greek life during the Revolution. The growing European interest in Greece at that time was the motive for this publication, which gave the European public a real picture of modern Greeks and their lives. At the same time, it ensured that many Greek popular songs were preserved. Scarce account. References: Not in Atabey, Blackmer 1002, Droulia 506