LA VIE ET LES AVANTURES SUPRENANTES DE ROBINSON CRUSOE

Amsterdam: Chez L'Honoré & Chatelain, 1720. First edition thus. Very good plus.. First printing of the first French edition of ROBINSON CRUSOE, one of the first ever translations of the book that has more translations than any work except the Bible. ROBINSON CRUSOE'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, including a wonderful frontispiece portrait of Crusoe by the renowned engraver Bernard Picart, and the highly sought folding map by Hermann Moll (which didn't appear until the fourth edition in English). 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, 5 full-page copperplate engravings, and one engraved folding map by Hermann Moll. 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. A bit of expected edgewear to contemporary binding.