78 - BROSSES (Charles de). Italy a Hundred Years Ago, or Letters Written from Italy, published for the first time from the author’s autograph manuscripts by R. Colomb. P., Levavasseur, 1836. 2 vols. in-8, fawn calfskin, spine decorated with title label and toning, engraved decoration on the covers with a frame of two gold fillets, marbled edges (contemporary binding).

BROSSES (Charles de). Italy a Hundred Years Ago, or Letters Written from Italy, published for the first time from the author’s autograph manuscripts by R. Colomb. P., Levavasseur, 1836. 2 vols. in-8, fawn calfskin, spine decorated with title label and toning, engraved decoration on the covers with a frame of two gold fillets, marbled edges (contemporary binding). COMPLETE FIRST EDITION (containing the full text of these famous letters), very rare and highly sought after. A very fine, complete copy featuring the author’s portrait, engraved by Coupé, which is not mentioned by Carteret and is very often missing. A friend of Buffon and Crébillon, and associated with the Encyclopédistes, Président de Brosses (Dijon, 1709–1777) was one of those men “who, almost by design, live life to the fullest with both mind and body,” as J.P. de Beaumarchais put it. His *Letters on Italy*, the result of a true love at first sight for this land of pleasure and culture, remain “a masterpiece of humor and wit.” Our President’s Italy is a world turned upside down where lovers are more jealous than spouses, where young women engage in debates in Latin, where courtesans want to be loved”—Id.—“The Voltaire of travelers to Italy!” Stendhal would say.