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1739-1740 Lettres Chinoises, ou Correspondance Philosophique, Historique et Critique
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Description
First Edition, Leather Binding
In the original French. The first edition of this work, complete in five volumes. Published between 1739 and 1740.
Consisting of one-hundred and fifty letters, each consisting of four leaves.
The work is constructed as imaginary letters from Chinese travellers in Paris to their correspondents, back in China.
As the reputation of Confucius grew in the West from the early eighteenth century due to the Jesuit propagation of Confucianism, the fictional Chinese visitor to Europe in these letter is depicted as a sagacious, detached observer. The Chinese letter writer attacks the absurd philosophies, beliefs and customs found in Europe, and applauds the customs and habits of the Chinese.
Lacking front and rear free endpapers, and front blank of volume V, with former owner's inscriptions to front blanks of vols. I-IV.
Condition
In full calf bindings, with gilt detailing to back strip. Rubbing to back strips, with significant rubbing to back strips of volumes II and III. Hinges strained but firmly held. Each volume lacks the front and rear free endpaper, and volume V also lacks the front blank. Former owner's inscriptions to front blanks. Loss of paper to head of volume III front blank. Internally, firmly bound. Pencil inscriptions to title pages, with pages otherwise generally clean and bright.
Very Good
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