first edition Half later nineteenth-century calf over marbled boards, gilt spine
1806 · Paris:
by Chateauroux, , [Marie Anne de Nesles, Marquise de la Tournelle].
Paris: Chez Léopold Collin, 1806 First edition of the correspondence of Louis XV's mistress (1717-1744), edited by Marie-Armande-Jeanne Gacon-Dufour (1753-1835). Half later nineteenth-century calf over marbled boards, gilt spine. Two volumes in one, twelvemo. Occasional light foxing, a few short marginal tears. A very good copy. "Though blamed for the decline of the monarchy's prestige…[Madame de Cheauroux] upgraded the status of maîtress en titre (official mistress) to an institution of state, setting the stage for her successors. The widow of the marquis de Tournelle, she made use of her charms under the tutelage of the duc de Richelieu, her cousin and counselor in the game for power. She requested financial allowances, legitimization of any children she might bear the king, and the dismissal from the royal court of her eldest sister, Mme. de Mailly…[her] growing ambitions made her instrumental in Richelieu's martial politics. Frederick the Great considered her a stabilizing agent in Franco-Prussian relations…" Sartori, The Feminist Encyclopedia of French Literature).
(Inventory #: 16547)