Joseph Addison et Richard Steele - Le Spectateur ou le Socrate Moderne - 1754

Rare collection of this French translation and adaptation of the famous English periodical The Spectator (1711‑1712, 1714), which marked the birth of the moral and literary press.

This publication, conceived as a series of daily essays, aimed to instruct and entertain the public by addressing manners, philosophy, literature, and social life through a tone that was both serious and pleasant.

The 1754 French edition, in seven volumes, reworks and reorganizes these texts by presenting them as a 'modern Socrates,' that is, a moral and intellectual guide for Enlightenment readers.

Addison and Steele develop a reflection on virtue, civility, politeness, religion, and art, while incorporating portraits, anecdotes, and dialogues that make the reading lively and accessible.

Joseph Addison and Richard Steele - The Spectator or the Modern Socrates - 1754 - Volumes I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII - Arkstée & Merkus
1: xii ff., 572 pages. - volume 2: viii ff., 550 pages. - volume 3: vii ff., 550 pages. - volume 4: iv ff., 536 pages. - volume 5: ii ff., 538 pages. - volume 6: 520 pages. - volume 7: 536 pages.

Good condition of the bindings, books in their original full brown leather from the period, showing signs of use, several damaged headbands, some wormwork on certain covers, one label on a volume, red edges, decorated spine with raised bands, gilded titles and volume numbers on morocco pieces, cold-stamped borders framing the covers.

Good interior condition, browning, beautiful vignette on the title page, marbled endpapers in good condition.

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