“DO NOT BEGIN THE STORY OF MY LIFE TILL I HAVE TOLD YOU A SHORT TALE”
LE SAGE, Alain Rene. The Adventures of Gil Blas of Santillane. London: Hurst, Robinson, 1822. Four volumes. 12mo, contemporary full brown polished calf, raised bands, ornately gilt-decorated spines and dentelles, red and green morocco spine labels, all edges gilt. $800.
Later edition in English of this classic of French literature, beautifully bound in morocco-gilt by Bedford.
Gil Blas, first published in 1715, follows in the great tradition of Cervantes and presages works such as Tom Jones and Roderick Random. It earned Le Sage notice as a great master of French style and drew comment from Walter Scott that "it leaves the reader pleased with himself and with mankind" (Reid, 260).
Light wear to a couple of hinges only. A lovely set in excellent condition.