Beschreibung:

MONTAIGNE, Michel Eyquem de (1533-1592). Essais . Paris: Abel L'Angelier, 1588. 4° (244 x 183mm). Engraved title (second state), headpieces and ornamental initials. (Very light stains in first and final quires, title slightly shaved at lower and outer edge only, one repaired marginal tear.) 18th-century dark sprinkled calf, triple fillet border on sides with single flower at corners, gilt spine with fleur-de-lis in compartments (very slight wear at corners), red leather lettering-piece, red edges, modern red half-morocco solander case. Provenance : Charles Delahaut, Charleville (shelf-label). FIRST COMPLETE EDITION of the Essais , joined for the first time by part III, and the last edition published during Montaigne's lifetime. The first two parts were presumably set from a copy of the 1582 Bordeaux edition corrected by Montaigne, while the third part was set from Montaigne's manuscript. Although called the fifth edition on the title-page, this is the fourth edition. Sayce and Maskell 4; Tchemerzine VIII, 405.