MOLIERE. - Lot 96

MOLIERE. [Signed binding] MOLIERE. Les Oeuvres de Monsieur de Molière. Revues, corrigées et augmentées. Enrichies de Figures en Taille-douce. A Paris, chez Denys Thierry, Claude Barbin et Pierre Trabouillet, 1682, 8 volumes in-12 bound in full green morocco, ornate ribbed spines, triple gilt fillet framing the boards, gilt edges, interior roulette. Binding signed Belz, successor to Niedrée (19th century). First complete collective edition, containing six plays in first editions: Don Garcie de Navarre, L'Impromptu de Versailles, Don Juan ou le Festin de Pierre, Mélicerte, Les Amants magnifiques and La Comtesse d'Escarbagnac. The most valuable edition by two of Molière's close friends, the actor La Grange, who was secretary to his troupe, and Vinot, based on Molière's manuscripts. First illustrated edition, enriched with 30 figures engraved by Brissart, hors-texte, very important because they show the costumes and sets of the period. Molière is portrayed several times in his various roles, and this is also the first edition to give stage directions. A very fine copy, without the cartons required by the censors (Tchemerzine, VIII, 359). Bookplate of Henri Grosseuvre.