1723. CORNEILLE P[IERRE], LA THEATRE DE (...).

23. CORNEILLE P[IERRE], LA THEATRE DE (...).

Paris 1723, Henry Charpentier, 16 k. +533pp. +3 s.

Beautifully illustrated edition of the plays of Pierre Corneille, (b. 1606 in Rouen, d. 1684 in Paris), French playwright, father of classical tragedy. A lawyer by training, he served as a royal advocate for 20 years, but soon renounced his career as a lawyer. He briefly belonged to a group of "Five Authors", whose duty it was to write plays on a theme assigned by the minister (Cardinal Richelieu). Volume one of the series containing 6 plays, 5 comedies and 1 tragedy. Each is concluded with a critique and discussion by the Author himself. The collection is beautifully illustrated with 7 full-page engravings, one frontispiece with a portrait of the Author, and the other six at the beginning of each play.

Age-toned binding, full leather in medium condition with minimal rubbing and minor losses, especially at the edges; spine embossed and gilt with title and geometric-plant designs, but also with rubbing; interior in db condition, occasionally stained but dry; overall db condition.