Saint- Pierre - Etudes de la nature - 1790

[BERNARDIN DE SAINT-PIERRE, Jacques-Henri] Studies of Nature. Edited by J.-H. Bernardin de Saint-Pierre. Paris, Imprimerie de Monsieur, chez Didot le jeune et Méquignon, 1791. 8 volumes in-12 (approximately 14 x 9 cm). A superb copy complete with a splendid engraved frontispiece and 4 folding botanical plates out of text, engraved with great finesse. Complete edition in 8 volumes. Volumes VII and VIII are entirely dedicated to the Wishes of a Solitary, a major philosophical, moral, and political text by the author, written in the context of the French Revolution. Very elegant contemporary half-calf binding. Flat spines adorned with rich tools, roulettes and gilded fillets. Title pieces in contrasting leather. Gilded book-blocks inscribed in a circular golden medallion at the center of each spine. Edges gilt. In pristine condition, sound and with no rubbing at the headbands, joints, or corners. Interior of remarkable whiteness, rare purity, without foxing or damp. Folding plates in perfect condition, with no tears at the folds. An outstanding state of conservation, as issued, perfect for a discerning collector. A masterpiece by Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, Studies of Nature marks the transition from the Enlightenment science to pre-Romantic sensibility. This charming edition from Imprimerie de Monsieur in the pocket format (in-12), printed with the typographic care specific to the Didot house, is particularly rare and sought after in this condition of absolute freshness and in uniform contemporary binding.