Montesquieu / André Hubert - Lettres Persanes - 1966-1967

Superb two-volume set numbered and illustrated with 30 illustrations hors-texte, 16 in-text, frontispiece of volume 1 on a double page, numerous ink drawings in the margins of each page, and many polychrome ornaments by André Hubert (the illustrations have been enhanced with colors by hand, in the Art workshop of Editions de l'Ibis) -

This major epistolary novel of the 18th century features the fictional correspondence of two Persian travelers, Usbek and Rica, discovering French and European society, allowing the author to take a critical and ironic look at the institutions, customs and values of his time -

Through these letters, Montesquieu analyzes monarchy, religion, justice, social inequalities and human behavior, using the outsider’s perspective as a distancing device that reveals the contradictions and absurdities of Western society -

The work also explores themes of despotism, freedom, cultural relativism and the condition of women, notably through the description of Usbek’s seraglio, which highlights tensions between authority and the desire for emancipation -

The style blends satire, philosophy and narration, alternating between light observations and deep reflections, which allows reaching a wide audience while offering a rigorous critique inspired by the Enlightenment spirit -

Charles Montesquieu / André Hubert - Lettres Persanes - 1966/1967 - Tome I et II - Editions de l'Ibis -
155 and 180 pages

Very good condition of the bindings, volumes in their burgundy calfskin clasp binding, forming a portfolio, Moorish-inspired decoration, embossed motifs in gold arabesques and ochre and cream highlights, with marbled burgundy, claret and red slip cases, interior lined with gray velvet, light usage wear, gilded top edges, smooth spine with gold motifs, gilded titling -

Very good interior condition, work enriched with 30 hors-texte illustrations, 16 in-text, frontispiece of volume 1 on a double page, numerous ink drawings in the margins of each page, and numerous polychrome embellishments by André Hubert (the illustrations have been hand-colored in the Art workshop of Editions de l'Ibis), specimen No. 714 on Lana vellum waste paper of the Papeteries de Lana, out of 1000 copies, flyleaves moiré in very good condition, a very fine copy, clean interior -

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