WITH THE FRENCH COAT-OF-ARMS ON BOTH COVERS AND FINE HAND-COLORED PLATES
ANONYMOUS. Les Délices des Spectacles ou Choix d'Ariettes Nouvelles. [Paris: Chez Janet, 1799]. 24mo (2-1/2 by 4-1/4 inches), contemporary full red morocco, elaborately gilt-decorated spine and covers, with coat-of-arms of France on both covers.
Eighteenth-century French collection of ariettes, with hand-colored engraved title and six hand-colored engravings illustrating scenes from contemporary French musical theatre. Very handsomely bound in contemporary gilt-decorated armorial morocco with the coat-of-arms of France on both covers.
Includes lyrics and music for fashionable songs of the day, including "Romance de Gulnare," "Marriage de Scaron," "Romance du Prisonnier," "Duo d'Alexis," "De l'Espiegle." Without engraved pages 11-14 (two leaves). Text in French. Bulletin du Bibliophile et du Bibliothécaire (1903), "Bibliographie de Quelques Almanachs Illustrés… 1765 à 1800," number 38.
First four leaves, including title page, neatly mounted on stubs, possibly at the time of binding. A lovely volume in a fine and distinguished armorial binding.