216 - MARMONTEL, Jean-François. Moral Tales.

MARMONTEL, Jean-François. Moral Tales. A rare edition printed on fine laid paper at the expense of the Count of Artois, in a charming full morocco binding of the period. Paris, Didot l'Aîné, 1780. In-18, full green morocco, smooth spine decorated with fleurons and the title in gilt lettering, gilt fillet framing the covers, ornate headbands and edges, interior lace, endpapers and inner covers of marbled paper, all edges gilt (contemporary binding). 170 pages, title vignette featuring the coat of arms of the Count of Artois, 2 headbands. Slight rubbing, very slight yellowing of the margins, minimal foxing on the first and last leaves. A charming edition printed in very limited numbers on fine laid paper, part of the prestigious collection of works printed by order of the Count of Artois (the future Charles X), whose coat of arms is printed on the title page. Speaking of the Count’s collection, Brunet noted that “it would be difficult for typography to produce anything more beautiful than these… small volumes, which will always be counted among Didot’s masterpieces.” Originally published in the *Mercure de France* beginning in 1755, Marmontel’s *Contes moraux*—blending sensitivity, social satire, and lessons in virtue—enjoyed immense popularity at the end of the Ancien Régime. This collection brings together the following three tales: *La Bergère des Alpes*, *L’Amitié à l’épreuve*, and *Les Quatre flacons*. A superb copy.