Palissot de Montenoy - Le Dunciade - 1773

CHARLES PALISSOT DE MONTENOY. — LA DUNCIADE, POEM (LONDON [PARIS], 1773, 2 VOLUMES).
London [Paris], 1773.
2 volumes in-8. Full period calf, spine ornately decorated.
Edition from the end of the 18th century, revised and greatly augmented with two new cantos compared to earlier versions.

A feared playwright and critic, Palissot de Montenoy became famous for waging an ardent pamphleteering war against the party of the Philosophers. In the tradition of Alexander Pope's burlesque satires, La Dunciade (the “Song of the Fools”) draws an ironic and merciless portrait of the republic of letters under Louis XV.

This Amsterdam/London edition of 1773 contains abundant explanatory critical notes and variants that constitute a mine of information on the literary quarrels of the Enlightenment.

A fine copy preserved in its period binding in full blond marbled calf. Smooth spines adorned with very neat gilded fleurons. Light signs of wear and small losses at the headcaps and corners, but bindings are solid and fresh. Interior clean on laid paper.

Good copy.