74 - [DESTRÉES (Jacques, Abbé)].

[DESTRÉES (Jacques, Abbé)]. Chronological, Genealogical, and Historical Memorial for the Year MDCCLIII [...] Paris, Imprimerie de Ballard, 1753. In-16, red morocco leather, decorated ribbed spine, gold lace framing the covers, gilt edges (contemporary binding). The second volume of this rare genealogical and historical almanac, published by Abbé Jacques Destrées for only four years, from 1752 to 1755, and following his *Almanach généalogique* published from 1747 to 1749. The work provides an extremely detailed portrait of French high society under Louis XV: the royal family and household, legitimized princes, ecclesiastical peers, dukes and peers, dukes by patent, nobles of Spain, Marshals of France, the Chancellor and Keeper of the Seals, Secretaries of State, and ambassadors. Destrées lists their marriages and descendants as well as the dates of their offices, titles, and honors, thus providing a valuable source on the genealogy and hierarchy of the Court in the mid-18th century. A singular publication, which ultimately led its author to the Bastille: Abbé Destrées was imprisoned there from February 21, 1755, to December 14, 1757, notably because of the “impertinences” with which he had peppered the preface to his *Mémorial*. A fine copy in period morocco leather. (Saffroy, Bibliographie généalogique, Almanachs, no. 347; Barbier III, 262.)