First duodecimo edition and First Elzevier edition, same year as the first complete 4to edition printed in Paris. This is the first and uncorrected state of two nearly identical issues. 12mo, beautifully bound in regal 18th century full red morocco, the covers framed by an elaborate decorative gilt rolled border surrounding a gilt coat of arms, the spine beautifully gilt tooled in compartments between fine gilt tooled bands, one compartment with a black morocco label gilt lettered and stippled, gilt turn-ins and board edges, marbled endpapers, a.e.g. Ex-Libris of the Chateau de Sampigny. [xxiv] 398, 111 pp. A fine and beautiful copy. FIRST ELZEVIER AND EXTREMELY EARLY PRINTING OF THIS MASTERPIECE OF THE MODERN FRENCH LANGUAGE. PMM 140. "The vividness and distinction of his style recalls the prose of Milton at its best". Elzevier s was Pascal s definitive version of the text. It was the first edition to gather the eighteen letters within continuous pagination, and has become the standard text for all successive editions. It also contains, attached at the end and paginated separately the 'Advis de Messieurs les Curez de Paris "The Lettres Provinciales, as they are called, are the first example of French prose as we know it today, perfectly finished in form, varied in style, and on a subject of universal importance. Pascal's weapon was irony, and the freshness with which the gravity of the subject contrasts with the lightness of the manner is an enduring triumph. The vividness of and distinction of his style recalls the prose of Milton at its best". (Printing and the Mind of Man). Seller Inventory # 25133

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Bibliographic Details

Title: LES PROVINCIALS ou les Lettres Escrites par ...

Publisher: Cologne [Amsterdam] Pierre de la Valle'e [Elzevier] 1657

Binding: Hardcover

Edition: 1st Edition

Store Description

Buddenbrooks has one of the finest selections of fine and rare books in several fields and we invite you to visit us at our new premises in Newburyport, Massachusetts where have an open "brick and mortar" bookshop. We are also available to meet with clients in Boston by appointment only, where we have maintained a presence for over 40 years. We offer a search service for any books, old or new, which you may have been unable to find. Please call for further information, we look forward to hearing from you.

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Seller's business information:

Buddenbrooks, Inc. ABAA
21 Pleasant Street, On the Courtyard, Newburyport, MA, 01950, U.S.A.

Terms of Sale:

All books are offered subject to prior sale. All books are returnable within 10 days, we ask that you notify
us via fax, phone or email in advance. Buddenbrooks, Inc. is located at 21 Pleasant Street, On the
Courtyard, in Newburyport, MA 01950 USA. All correspondences should be sent to this address to the
attention of Martin Weinkle or Stephen Pepple.

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Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

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