71 - BILLAUT, Adam. *Le Vilebrequin* by Master Adam, a carpenter from Nevers.

BILLAUT, Adam. *Le Vilebrequin* by Master Adam, a carpenter from Nevers. A rare first edition published one year after the death of its author, the poet and carpenter Adam Billaut (1602–1662), known as “the Virgil with the plane” or “the Carpenter of Nevers.” Paris, Guillaume de Luyne, 1663. In-12, full brown speckled calfskin, ribbed spine decorated with fleurons and the title in gilt lettering, ornate edges, red speckled edges (period patina). 22 unnumbered folios, 528 pages, and 3 unnumbered folios; headbands, initials, and tailpieces. Binding rubbed; restorations at the top and bottom; hinges somewhat fragile; a few pages browned with rare foxing. First edition, rare. A collection blending Bacchic poems, folk songs, burlesque satires, and gallant verses, published shortly after the death of its author, the poet and carpenter Adam Billaut (1602–1662), known as “the Virgil with the plane” or the “Carpenter of Nevers,” who named his poems after tools (his dowels, his plane, his crankshaft) in reference to his trade. One of the most original examples of popular poetry and burlesque wit from the Grand Siècle. A fine copy in a contemporary binding.