2 résultats
1725183264Paris: La Compagnie des Libraires Affociez 1725. An early edition of one of the first psychological novels concerning a married noblewoman tormented by her feelings for another man. Set in Henry II's court between 1558 and 1559 it is also one of the first European historical novels. It became an immediate commercial success when it was first published anonymously in 1678 although its depiction of adulterous feelings was controversial. Novels in 17th-century France typically focused on the wide-ranging adventures of a hero which could extend over several volumes and often employed flamboyant language. Conversely the drama in La Princesse de Cleves is contained within the characters' psyches focussing on "the elements of violence and conflict in passion" especially "as opposed to the conventional love sanctioned by society" McNeill p. 25. Further the events of the novel span less than a year and La Fayette's language is "innovative in its relative simplicity and concision" McNeill p. 27. 2 vols bound in 1 octavo 153 x 87 mm pp. 6 207 1 3 210. Woodblock printer's devices headpieces and initials. Near-contemporary sprinkled calf flat spines separated with gilt rolls lettered in gilt on red morocco label gilt ruling to covers and board edges endpapers marbled edges sprinkled green chartreuse silk bookmarker. Contemporary ownership inscription to title page: "M: C: Archer". Extremities rubbed tiny chip at head of front board joint a couple of small scrapes to covers contents clean. A very good copy. Isabelle McNeill "Madame De La Fayette: A Modern Woman of the Seventeenth Century" Simone de Beauvoir Studies vol. 10 1993. unknown
1719183236Paris: La Compagnie des Libraires Affociez 1719. An early edition of one of the first psychological novels concerning a married noblewoman tormented by her feelings for another man. Set in Henry II's court between 1558 and 1559 it is also one of the first historical novels. It was immediate commercial success upon its first anonymous publication in 1678 although the depiction of adulterous feelings was controversial. Novels in 17th century France typically focussed on the wide-ranging adventures of a hero which could extend over several volumes and often employed flamboyant language. Conversely the drama in La Princesse de Cleves is contained within the characters' psyches focussing on "the elements of violence and conflict in passion" especially "as opposed to the conventional love sanctioned by society" McNeill p. 25. Further the events of the novel span less than a year and La Fayette's language is "innovative in its relative simplicity and concision" McNeill p. 27. A near-contemporary female ownership inscription is found on the title page: "Honourable Mrs Boyd". This may be Jeanne Antoinette Wyandt circa 1730-1763 who married the Jacobite Charles Boyd 1728-1782 during his years of exile in France following the Battle of Culloden. 2 vols in 1 octavo 154 x 90 mm pp. 8 1-207 1; 4 1-210. Woodblock printer's devices headpieces initials and factotum initials. Early 19th-century black straight-grain calf corners retouched flat spine with red morocco label and gilt fillets and lettering gilt frames to covers edges and turn-ins gilt marbled endpapers edges gilt. Ownership inscription on front free endpaper verso: "David Baird Smith". Extremities slightly rubbed corners bumped a few minor scrapes to covers contents a little foxed: a very good copy. Isabelle McNeill "Madame De La Fayette: A Modern Woman of the Seventeenth Century" Simone de Beauvoir Studies vol. 10 1993. unknown
