Anonymous
Angola, Histoire Indienne
Size: 16.2 x 10 cm (6.3 x 3.9 inches)First edition
Published by: Avec Privilege du Grand-Mogol. 2 parts in 1, 12mo., pp 264.
First Edition of this "chef d'euvre de la litterature galante" and the favourite novel of the boudoir in pre-Revolutionary France. Supposedly based on the papers of the Duc de la Tremoille and attributed to Crebillon fils, Angola, Histoire Indienne has now been firmly established as the work of Charles Jacques Louis Auguste de la Rochette, Chevalier de La Morlire. It was an overnight best-seller and ran to numerous editions throughout the eighteenth century, with at least ten further 'Agra' printings in the decade following publication. Edouard Thiery called this novel 'le miroir du sicle, le livre des jolies boudoirs, le manuel charmant de la conversation a la mode'. The Chevalier La Morliere (1701-85), musketeer, libertin, and famous in his day as being "one of those marvellous people who possess the pleasant talent of ruining and dishonouring all women." He was involved over many years with 'Theatre francais' and the 'Comedie italienne', mainly through his association with Voltaire. The 'Angola' setting in the Indies allowed La Morliere broad scope for satire, especially in his depiction of the just king Erzeb-Can's marriage to Princesse Arsenide, darling of the world of luminous fairies on the 'cote gauche'. Most of the tale is devoted to the adventures of their child Prince Angola, who travels throughout the Indies and Arabia. The nature of the exotic tale, the popularity as one of the best selling, licentious novels of the Ancien Regime, and the fact that it was a direct satire on the people and manners of haute Parisian society.
Original binding
Provenance : Collection of a Gentleman
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This is an auction of pre-owned and old items. Many items are of an age or nature which precludes their being in perfect condition and you should expect general wear and tear commensurate with age and use.
We strongly advise you to examine items before you bid.
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