M. Le Sage — Histoire de Gil Blas de Santillane

Londres , J. Nourse , 1777. Leather. Alain-René Lesage's influential picaresque novel in four excellent uniform volumes in full calf bindings, featuring lovely engravings. One of the earliest realistic novels, written by Alain-Rene Lesage, this work narrates of the adventures and education of a young valet as he progresses through masters in high and low society. Originally published in four volumes between 1715 and 1735, it helped popularised the picaresque novel, with the happy ending adding a new twist to the tradition. In the original French, the new London edition complete in four volumes.  With a frontispiece to vol. I and eight further engraved plates to each volume. Collated, complete. Lesage was a prolific French satirical dramatist and author. Rebacked in a full calf binding with the original boards restored. Externally very smart with minor chipping to extremities of the boards. Previous ownership ink inscription to title pages. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. With a frontispiece to vol. I and eight further engraved plates to each volume. Collated, complete.  Very Good Indeed . Ill.: Not Stated. Very Good Indeed .