BETSKOI (BETZKY), Ivan Ivanovich; LE CLERC, Nicolas-Gabriel. — Les Plans Et Les Statuts, Des Différents Établissements Ordonnés Par Sa Majesté Impériale Cathérine II. Pour L'Éducation De La Jeunesse, Et L'Utilité Générale De Son Empire

Good+ 1st Edition Marc-Michel Rey Amsterdam 2 volumes bound in one, imperial octavo (210 x 265mm). [4], 160, [2]; 160pp. First French edition, edited by Diderot, complete with all 5 engraved plates (three in the text and two frontispiece), beautiful 65 vignettes, 3 folding plates and 4 folding printed tables. Full calf leather, five raised bands, spine gilt to compartments, gilt title, marbled endpapers, all edges in red. The spine of the leather binding is slightly damaged, minor rubbing on edges and on covers. The first pages have some moisture damage (unobtrusive). The three engravings have been amateurishly restored. No notes and/or tears (apart from aforementioned restorations). Gently creasing on some pages. The writer was the great reformer who, commissioned by the enlightened czarina Catherine II, made education accessible for all children, both boys and girls. In association with Diderot, he presented the French translation of this important book in Amsterdam. Diderot did this work anonymously, but could not resist the temptation to make his contribution visible ("Addition de l'Editeur, M.D******", as can be read on page 157 in the second part). Scarce book and has been extremely influential.