(AUCTION CATALOGUE: [MÉON, Dominique Martin]).

Catalogue des Livres précieux, singuliers et rares, tant Imprimés que Manuscrits, qui composaient la Bibliothèque de M.

dont la vente se fera…le 15 Novembre 1803…et jours suivans… xxiv, 522, 4 pp., one leaf of errata.8vo, attractive antique mottled half-calf & speckled boards, flat spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine. Paris, Bleuet jeune, 1803. The very uncommon sale catalogue of the library of Méon (1748-1829), who is described in a contemporary note on the half-title and title as “Employé au Ministre de la Guerre.” Méon, though employed in the War Ministry, was a scholar specializing in early French literature. He had taken advantage of the disorder of the French Revolution to buy quantities of valuable books cheaply. But by 1799, he was destitute and obliged to send his precious collection to auction. According to the sales notice, the collection was second only to the duc de la Vallière’s library from the points of view of variety, choice of copies, and excellence of early editions. The sale catalogue describes many early French romances and plays, belles-lettres, and historical writings. His bibliographical knowledge later earned him a position at the Bibliothèque Impérial, which dismissed him for poor librarianship. But in 1826, now “Royale,” reappointed him, eventually granting him a pension. Méon was the editor of several important texts, including the Le Roman du Renard (1825). Fine copy, priced throughout in a contemporary hand. This copy has the four-page “Ordre des Vacations” and errata leaf. 4166 lots. ❧ Brunet, III, 1639. Grolier Club, Printed Catalogues of French Book Auctions...1643-1830, 446. N.B.G., 34, 1020-21. Peignot, p. 113–“Catalogue curieux pour les livres bizarres et singuliers.”

• USD 2,650.00 > other currencies
• ordernr.: HillBibl-2030

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