16 - [BIBLIOGRAPHY] - BRUNET, Jacques-Charles

[BIBLIOGRAPHY] - BRUNET, Jacques-Charles "A Handbook for Booksellers and Book Lovers, containing 1) a new bibliographic dictionary; 2) a table in the form of a catalog raisonné. Fourth edition" Brussels, Société belge de librairie, Hauman et Comp., 1838–1845, 5 volumes. Large 8vo. Contemporary green half-paper binding. Title and volume number labels in brown morocco. Normal wear and scattered foxing. A Belgian pirated edition of this essential landmark of universal bibliography, modeled after the fourth Parisian edition. Published by Hauman amid the Franco-Belgian literary piracy wars of the first half of the 19th century, this set offers a rigorous alphabetical catalog of valuable books, rare editions, and critical notes on old prints. The first four volumes comprise the dictionary proper, while the fifth volume (published in 1845) contains the systematic index essential for thematic research, fully completed and organized by the Bibliophile Jacob (Paul Lacroix). Although disavowed by Brunet at the time, this Brussels edition remains a sought-after reference tool for the history of the book. Provenance: from the library of Philippe de Volkaersbeke (library label) A fine copy.