78 - COUPE (J. M. L.), TESTU, DESFONTAINES (P. F. G.), MERICOURT (L.) .

COUPE (J. M. L.), TESTU, DESFONTAINES (P. F. G.), MERICOURT (L.) . A Universal History of the Theaters of All Nations, from Thespis to the Present Day. Paris, Les auteurs & Duchesne, 1779–1780. 12 in-8 volumes, light calfskin, spine ribbed and decorated with a coat of arms at the tail, double gilt fillet framing the covers, gilt fillet on the edges, gilt interior edge. First edition of this comprehensive overview of theater since its origins in France, which highlights numerous little-known authors and explores the history of chivalry and public festivals. It is illustrated with a frontispiece and 44 separate plates depicting costumes, plans, cross-sections, heroes of tragedies, etc. The set comprises 25 parts, but the last one is almost always missing (as is the case with this copy). A fine copy in period light calfskin bearing the coat of arms of Louis-Marie-Augustin, Duke of Aumont. After being appointed First Gentleman of the Chamber upon his father’s death, he successively became a Peer of France in 1736, a cavalry brigadier in 1740, field marshal in 1743, Knight of the Order of the Holy Spirit in 1745, and lieutenant general in 1748. In July of that same year, he was appointed governor of the town and castle of Compiègne; in November 1751, he was appointed governor of Boulogne and the Boulonnais region; in 1761, he was appointed governor of Montreuil; and finally, he was appointed governor of Chauny, where he became grand bailiff. The Duke of Aumont had assembled magnificent collections of works of art and books with remarkable care and patience. Most of the bindings, made of morocco or marbled calfskin, were the work of Padeloup. (O.H.R. 364, stamp no. 11.) Some minor wear or restoration.