(AUCTION CATALOGUE: LE BLANC, Claude).

Catalogue des Livres de la Bibliotheque de feu M. Le Blanc, Secretaire d'Etat.

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Dont la Vente se fera à l’amiable le Lundy 7. March 1729. & jours suivans… Woodcut arms of Le Blancon title. xvi, [2 (of manuscript)], 310 pp., [19] leaves, one leaf of errata. 8vo, cont. pale green deerskin over boards (joints & corners with small & sympathetic repairs, title carefully strengthened at an early date in gutter), red morocco lettering piece on spine. Paris: G. Martin, 1729. The very rare (no copy in N.U.C.) sale catalogue of the library of Le Blanc (1669-1728), who held many positions in the defense ministry of France, finally serving from 1726 until his death as chief defense minister. As befitting an “homme d’état, ” this was a library rich in French history, histories of other countries, and biographies. 3328 lots and priced throughout in a contemporary hand. The final 130 lots are MSS., mostly historical and legal. With a 19-leaf index at end (this is the third catalogue — of twenty-two — compiled by Martin to have an index). This catalogue was published by Martin while the sale of the vast Colbertina was in progress. The disposal of the books singly at marked prices — à l’amiable et en detail — was no doubt so slow that Martin decided to sell them by auction — à l’encan — the dates of which were announced by handbills (one of these has survived). To some copies of the catalogue Martin apparently added a two-page manuscript list of thirty-three lots sold ”à l’amiable,” with the prices they were sold at. The above copy appears to be the only one surviving with this list, which is entitled: “Les articles à costé desquels il ne se trouve point de prix dans le cours du présent Catalogue, ont été retirés et vendus à l’amiable.” Very good copy. ❧ Bléchet, pp. 80-81. Grolier Club, Printed Catalogues of French Books Auctions…1643-1830, 29. Peignot, p. 81. It is interesting to note that Ehrman, who made a considerable effort in acquiring Gabriel Martin’s catalogues, did not own this one.

• USD 3,500.00 > other currencies
• ordernr.: HillBibl-1927

• bookseller: Jonathan A. Hill, Bookseller, Inc. (USA)