78 - [CURIOSA]. The Extraordinary Correspondence of the Ecclesiastical Troublemakers.

[CURIOSA]. The Extraordinary Correspondence of the Ecclesiastical Troublemakers. Neuchâtel, Société Presses, 1872. In-12 (16 x 10 cm), green half-basane, ribbed spine decorated with fine gilt fleurons. 36 pp.; 3 separate engravings. Scuffs on the ribs and edges of the covers. Provenance: J. Barbier (Chalons-sur-Marne) bookplate, pasted to the reverse of the lower inside front cover. A very rare reprint of this revolutionary, anti-clerical, and libertine pamphlet, originally published in 1790. The “extraordinary” print run is limited to only 100 numbered copies; this one bears the number 69. 3 loose engravings. Here is what is stated in the preface to the original edition: “I had to frequent the brothels and dog kennels of the capital—where, thank heaven, I am well-acquainted—to gather the fragments of this precious correspondence; the boudoirs, or rather the shambles, of our titled harlots, where, at times, I am received, as well as the garrets of the Third Estate’s women of pleasure, to complete the interesting collection that I present today to lovers of priapism, as the most perfect tribute to my lecherous ardor.”