L´aventurier chinois 1773 first edition
Klubbat för:
2600 SEK
Estimate
1 500-2 000 SEK
Description
FIRST EDITION. L´aventurier chinois. A Pekin et se trouve a Paris (i.e. Paris, chez Merigot le jeune) 1773.
12:o (about 162x94 mm.). (2, engraved title), (i)-ii, (1), 4-202, (2 blank) pp. Engraved title-leaf.
Contemporary paper boards, somewhat worn. Lacks last endpaper. Lower outer corner of leaves B4, D2, and D4 torn without loss of text.
Löwendahl: China illustrata nova. Supplement, 1671.
In the realm of Chinese studies, this little-known novel belongs to the category of "chinoiserie" and in its time was a part of the French literay and philosophical "mirage" of China.
The work has additional importance as a reply to Voltaire´s Candide.
According to its preface, the narrative derives from a manuscript of a Chinese philosopher and teller of allegories, Xien-Chang-Yen, which is stolen and delivered to a European supercargo, who translates it.
The tale is set in China and the East Indies.
From the library of Swedish antiquarian bookdealer Björn Löwendahl (1941-2013).
Auktionsnummer:
6091
Date:
2017-11-21