Books

First printing of the first French edition of ROBINSONCRUSOE, one of the first ever translations of the book that has more translations than any work except the Bible. ROBINSONCRUSOE's reputation as one of the most famous books in the world began immediately after publication with the printing of French, German, and Dutch translations in 1720. This edition is prized not only as the earliest French translation, but also for its illustrations: it is the first edition to be illustrated with more than a frontispiece and maps. It contains 6 fine copperplate engravings, as well as a wonderful frontispiece portrait ofCrusoeby the renowned engraver Bernard Picart, and the highly sought folding map by Hermann Moll (which didn't appear until the fourth edition in English). This is volume one (as in English, the book was not published all at once). Two more volumes of the later parts of ROBINSON CRUSOE followed the next year; this volume is complete in itself. A beautiful example of a rare and important book. 12mo. 6'' x 3.75''. Full contemporary speckled calf, gilt borders, raised bands. Marbled endpapers. Engraved frontispiece by Bernard Picart, 6 full-page copperplate engravings, and one engraved folding map by Hermann Moll (see Cohen).With the incorrect catchword on page xii reading "les" instead of "la".[2], xii, 629 pages. Early engraved bookplate on front pastedown, and another bookplate on rear pastedown. Ink ownership inscriptions from 1770 and 1816 on front free endpaper. Subtle repairs to spine, with a bit of edgewear to contemporary binding.

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, is one of the earliest and most influential novels in the history of English literature. It is a fictional autobiography of the title character, a castaway who spends 28 years on a remote tropical island near Trinidad, encountering cannibals, captives, and mutineers before being rescued. The story is widely perceived as a comment on the British Imperialism of the age and the emerging ideology of the 'self-made man', and it reflects on the author's vast array of experiences.