81 - LEGRAND (M. A.).

LEGRAND (M. A.). The Adventures of the Aerial Traveler: A Spanish Tale. With the “Paniers,” or The Old Precious Comedy. Paris: Cailleau, 1724. In-12, red morocco, spine with raised bands richly decorated, gilded coat of arms in the center of the covers, gilded scrolls on the edges, gilt edges (contemporary binding). First edition of this tale, which follows in the footsteps of Cyrano, recounting the story of the son of the King of Sweden who finds himself transported through the air by a cloud and the winds and ends up in Spain, where we witness his adventures. According to the author, these are drawn from “The Secret History of Sweden.” “The Precious Old Lady” is a short comedy featuring an elderly woman whose newfound charms allow her to seduce once again. Legrand was a famous actor and playwright of the 17th century; he wrote some forty plays, including one about Cartouche, the famous bandit, whom he even visited in prison to lend his play greater realism. A precious copy in period morocco leather bearing the coat of arms of Louise-Adélaïde de Bourbon-Conti, known as Mademoiselle de la Roche-sur-Yon (1696–1750). (O.H.R. 2643, stamp no. 1.)