[PECQUET, Antoine]. Mémoires secrets pour servir à l'Histoire de Perse. 1746.
[PECQUET, Antoine].
Mémoires secrets pour servir à l'Histoire de Perse.
Amsterdam, Aux Dépens De La Compagnie, 1746.
12mo (156x98 mm), (6)-307 pages. binding : Contemporary full mottled calf, spine gilt in six compartments, title in gilt on lettering-piece, red edges. Joints rubbed.
This book is a satire of the political and gallant intrigues of the court of Louis XIV, in the form of false "Mémoires" (Persia becomes France and all the protagonists are named with oriental names). The key to the understanding is given at the end of the text.
In reality, this satirical book deals with the History of France and Europe from the death of Louis XIV to the reign of Louis XV.
It is also the first book, in which the story of the famous "Iron Mask" is mentionned.
Following the publication, the author was jailed in La Bastille.
provenance: M. de Maillart, Capitaine de Cavalerie au Régiment de Lenoncourt (ex-libris at the verso of title page). Edm. Steinheil (ex-libris armorié).
Price : 300 €