869 - VOLTAIRE, FRANÇOIS MARIE AROUET (1694-1778)

VOLTAIRE, FRANÇOIS MARIE AROUET (1694-1778) Histoire de l’Empire de Russie sous Pierre le Grand par l’Auteur de l’Histoire de Charles XII [History of the Russian Empire under Peter the Great, by the Author of the History of Charles XII]. Vol. 1. [N.p.], 1761. XLVIII, 379 pp.; 17 x 10.5 cm. In French. In a contemporary full leather binding. Gilt tooling to the spine and the edges of the boards. In good condition. Wear to the binding, losses of leather along the edges of the spine and upper board, spine partially detached from the text block, minor soiling and damp staining to the endpapers and first leaves, foxing. ‘Histoire de l’Empire de Russie sous Pierre le Grand’ was commissioned from the French Enlightenment thinker Voltaire by the Emperor’s daughter, Elizabeth Petrovna, through her favourite I.I. Shuvalov. Work on the book lasted seven years, from 1756 to 1763. Voltaire carefully consulted the patron’s representatives in order to avoid controversial issues. The first volume was published in 1759 but was not accepted in Russia. Voltaire was offered to buy back the print run to prevent its circulation, but this did not happen. The second volume appeared only in 1763, and in the meantime Voltaire issued several revised editions of the first volume. The first Russian edition of this work appeared only in 1809 and remains its only translation to this day. Upon the buyer’s request, we are pleased to provide a general condition report for the Lot described above. However, as we are not professional conservators or restorers, we strongly advise prospective buyers to conduct their own inspection or consult a specialist or restorer of their choice for a comprehensive professional assessment. Any condition descriptions provided in the catalogue or through any correspondence are for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for a firsthand evaluation. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD ‘AS IS’ IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE PUBLISHED IN THE CATALOGUE.