Very Scarce 1st Edition 1766 Le Compere Mathieu, Controversial Novel

Pricing & History

Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
Sold Date
Source eBay

Attractive, Very Scarce 1st Edition Le Compere Mathieu, 1766,With Bookplate of Samuel de Tournes Description Le Compere Mathieu Ou Les Bigarrures De L'Esprit Humain by Henri-Joseph Du Laurens. Londres (i.e., Amsterdam), Aux Depens de la Compagnie. MDCCLXVI. Tome Premier et Tome Second. In original binding, with bookplate of Samuel de Tournes! These are two volumes of the very scarce, very controversial Le Compere Mathieu. They are the rare original edition of this famous satirical novel, formerly attributed to Voltaire, which caused a scandal at its release. The author narrates the adventures, encounters and rich experiences enjoyed by Mathieu during his voyage of discovery around the world. It is a licentious work, filled with rude sensuality, mocking of religion, and other libertine excesses that shocked the authorities of the time (although not the readers – the book was a best seller!). The author of the book left the monastic life for literature, becoming a determined anti-Jesuit, and one year after this book was printed – in 1767 – Du Laurens was sentenced to life imprisonment for being impious and irreligious. He died after 20 years in prison, but this controversial novel was popular well into the early 1900s. These are two volumes of the very hard to find 1766 first edition. The books are small octavos measuring 4” x 6”, in 3/4 leather with brown paper marbled boards. Pagination is 400 and 434. The books are in good antiquarian condition. Some rubbing at the extremities and to the boards, spine tips a little worn. The interiors each have a small bookplate that says “Du cabinet de M. Samuel de Tournes” – whom we assume is Samuel de Tournes, the famous Lyon bookseller. There is also a small piece of paper glued in with some old notes written in. Some minor age and foxing to the pages, otherwise clean and unmarked, book blocks are sturdy. There are no copies of the first edition for sale anywhere that we could find. Later editions are being offered for $300-$3000! A scarce chance to own one of the most controversial books of the 1700s, one which put its author into prison until his death twenty years later. With the personal bookplate of Samuel de Tournes. Shipping & Payment Terms US Customers – We ship twice or more a week using the US Postal Service via our courier from Canada to the US. We are able to offer competitive rates with this service, but if you require quicker shipping, please inquire. Canadian customers -- we may have to charge HST/GST for Canadian purchases. However, shipping is generally lower than on ebay’s shipping cost calculator. Email me with your province and I’ll be happy to calculate HST and shipping. We are happy to combine shipping! For our international customers, import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying. These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up -- do not confuse them with additional shipping charges. We do not mark merchandise values below value or mark items as "gifts" – it’s against the law. and thanks for being a fellow book lover. See our other listings for more unusual and rare books. read more

Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright

If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.