251 - RÉTIF DE LA BRETONNE, Nicolas-Edme. *La Confidence nécessaire*, or *Letters from My Lord Austin of Norfolk to My Lord Humfrey of Dorset*.

RÉTIF DE LA BRETONNE, Nicolas-Edme. *La Confidence nécessaire*, or *Letters from My Lord Austin of Norfolk to My Lord Humfrey of Dorset*. Second edition of this English-influenced epistolary novel, blending romantic intrigue with social realism. It is supplemented by the pastiche “O-Ribo, an Irish Blue Tale,” a philosophical and satirical tale. Printed in The Hague [Paris, Veuve Duchesne], 1769. 2 parts in 1 in-12 volume (169 x 120 mm), full brown marbled calfskin, smooth spine divided into compartments with gilt fillets and metal tools, titles and volume numbers in brown leather, red edges. 116 and 194 pp., 1 blank folio (catalog of the author’s works). Minor scuffing from use, restored caps, a few foxing spots. Second edition published the same year as the original of one of Rétif de La Bretonne’s earliest novels. The second part includes the curious parodic pastiche titled “O-Ribo, Conte-Bleu Irlandais,” a scathing satire of the fantastical and the romantic tales then in vogue. This copy is complete with the final catalog leaflet listing the author’s very first works. Handwritten note on the title page: “Bad & wicked book. You must read something by O-Ribo—it’s instructive.” There are a few other brief notes in the outer margins. Also on the title page, a handwritten bookplate reading “C. Jeannel 1854.” A fine copy in a contemporary binding.