M. De La Place - Collection de Romans et Contes, imités de l'Anglois, corrigés et revus de nouveau par M. de La Place - 1788

Rare and fascinating complete series in 8 volumes of the famous Collection de romans et contes, imités de l'Anglois, curated and translated by Pierre-Antoine de La Place and printed in Paris by the publisher Cussac between 1788 and 1789.
The work presents itself in its most richly sought-after archival edition: a uniform full leather binding from the period, enriched by a refined geometric Greek key impressed in gold (roulette dorée) that frames the covers of all the volumes. A further touch of 18th-century artisanal craftsmanship is visible on the three edges of the book blocks, which show finely hand-marbled cuts with decorative motifs splashed across.
Consistency of Pages and Volume of the Work
The work has an imposing overall heft, totaling around 3,300 pages in total, distributed in a balanced way across the various volumes. Each volume features autonomous and rich pagination, ranging from 350 to 480 densely printed text pages, hosting immortal masterpieces such as Tom Jones by Fielding or Oroonoko by Aphra Behn.
Illustrative Apparatus (Engravings on Copper)
The collection is enhanced by a superb off-text iconographic set consisting of 19 splendid copper-engraved plates. The subjects, characterized by theatrical mother scenes and gallant 18th-century costumes, were drawn by the illustrator Antoine Borel and engraved by some of the most renowned engravers active at the end of the Ancien Régime (clearly bearing the signatures of Marchand, Delignon, Maillet, Biofse, Petit, Hubert and Fossoyeux). The plates retain the sharpness of chiaroscuro and feature in the lower cartouches the quotes from the novels in italic type. Condition and Preservation
• Interiors (Excellent Condition): The state of the inner pages is exceptional. The paper is extraordinarily clear, fresh, and crisp to the touch. Despite nearly 240 years of age, the copy is completely free of foxing, damp halos, or unsightly stains, guaranteeing a clear and perfect readability of the pages and illustrations. All internal indices and the Royal Approbation and Privilege sheets are present in the final volume.
• Exteriors (Good Condition / Solid Structure): The full-leather binding bears the marks of time and use, testifying to its complete authenticity. Widespread scratches and superficial abrasions are found on the covers of the volumes, along with some leather losses around the spines, joints, and headcaps. Nevertheless, the overall structure is entirely solid and compact: the hinges are intact, the binding is firmly attached to the book blocks, and the volumes are handled with absolute safety, with no risk of detachment.
A genuine, healthy set with great visual impact, ideal for enriching a library of illustrated eighteenth-century editions.