206 - MAILLY, Louis de. Nouvelles toutes nouvelles, by M. D. L. C.

MAILLY, Louis de. Nouvelles toutes nouvelles, by M. D. L. C. A rare first edition of this collection of five romantic short stories written by the godson of Louis XIV and Anne of Austria, well-preserved in its period binding. Paris, Pierre Ribou, 1708. In-8, full brown marbled sheepskin, spine with ornate raised bands, panels adorned with gilt fleurons, title in gilt letters, ornate cut corners, red edges (contemporary binding). 8 unnumbered folios and 370 pages, title medallion, headpieces, and initials. Binding rubbed, caps restored, pages slightly yellowed. A rare first edition of this collection comprising five romantic short stories: *The Greek Prince*, *The Knight of Harville*, *The Count of Roseville*, *The Knight of Saint-Hilaire*, and *The Love Affairs of Lucie and Her Mother*. It notably includes the famous tale of “The Kneeling Musketeer,” which has since been included in all collections of risqué anecdotes, in which the musketeers play such a prominent role (see Paul Lacroix, in *Bull. du Bibliophile*, 1857, p. 289). Louis de Mailly (c. 1657–1724), godson of Louis XIV and Anne of Austria, better known by the title “Chevalier de Mailly,” was part of the first generation of literary storytellers, among whom he was one of the most prolific. He is the author of a collection of eleven fairy tales published anonymously in 1698, but he also distinguished himself in the gallant tale, the historical narrative, the letter, and, as here, the gallant short story. His entire body of work is dominated by the fashion for preciousness and gallantry. He embodies the male author in a world and a genre that were predominantly feminine. A fine copy.