Bédacier (C. Durand) - Les Belles Grecques - 1712

The Beautiful Greeks, or the History of the most famous courtesans of Greece – New Dialogues of modern gallants; Paris, 1712

Elegant and rare edition in format (15.2 × 8.6 cm), complete with pp. (12), 356, 4, (2) and 3 plates engraved outside the text.
Binding with back cover boards covered (as in the photo), spine with raised bands, a genuine and untrimmed copy.

Work attributed to Bernard le Bovier de Fontenelle, among the best-known French authors of the early 18th century, this volume combines classical erudition and gallant taste. The text presents a series of moral and literary tales and dialogues dedicated to the famous courtesans of ancient Greece (including Rhodope, Lamia, Lais), weaving history, anecdote, and reflection on customs, in keeping with the Enlightenment tradition of the “dialogues.”
The refined engravings enrich the volume and illustrate scenes of life and classical settings, making the copy particularly attractive to collectors.

In good condition for the period; signs of use and age, widespread browning. Title page restored (as visible in the photo). Minimal signs of handling. Solid structure.

Rare and original edition from the early eighteenth century, not common on the market, especially complete with the plates. Text representative of French gallant culture and the antiquarian interest in the classical world, highly sought after by collectors of French literature and antique illustrated books.

Ideal for collections of rare books, eighteenth-century French literature, and illustrated works.