M. de G*** - Avantures Secrettes, et Plaisantes - 1696

Secret and Pleasurable Adventures. Collected by Mr. de G***. Brussels, at George de Backer, bookseller by the Prince of Berges Hotel, 1696

In-12 (about 13.5 × 8.5 cm), pp. (6), 136. With a beautiful copper-engraved frontispiece by Jacobus Harrewijn (signed “Harrewijn fecit”), typographic ornaments and woodcut initials.

A collection of twenty-four gallant, spicy and entertaining tales set under the reign of Louis XIV. The author (attributed to De Graaft / Monsieur de G***) presents the stories as true facts, of which the names and identifying marks of the people involved would have been altered only to avoid harming their reputation (“On n’a changé que les noms & les autres marques qui pouvoient découvrir les Personnes…” – Preliminary notice).

Among the adventures: the treasure of the Salpêtrière, the son-in-law in love, the begging friar, the betrayed doctor, the geomantic knight, the offended damsel, the hidden lover, disguises, masquerades, deceptions, scenes of jealousy and often bawdy comic situations. This is a typical product of libertine and anecdotal literature of the late Seventeenth Century, halfway between the gallant count and court and city chronicle.

Brussels edition of 1696 (contemporary with the Paris edition by J. Le Febvre, but furnished with the engraved title page that is missing from the French edition). It is considered the first Brussels edition of this work. Extremely rare copies: OCLC records only three copies in continental libraries. Cited by Barbier, Gay (Bibliography of works relating to love…), Hayn and Lever.

A sought-after work for collectors of libertine literature, of seventeenth-century anecdotal lore, and of Brussels editions of George de Backer. The Harrewijn title page (a lively scene with a demon and a figure in contemporary dress) constitutes an additional element of value.

Contemporary parchment binding, with flaws: small loss on the front cover (as shown in the photo), corners and edges worn, but binding still solid. Section a2–a10 loose and bound to the lower part. Interior overall good, with the usual age browning and some marginal stains.

Complete copy of the text and the title page, with the stated binding condition limits.

Ideal for collectors of antique books, French literature of the Grand Siècle, and rare editions.