Lot 08019

M. PETIS DE LA CROIX, “LES MILLE ET EN JOUR, CONTES PERSANS, traduits en Francois”, a Paris, par La Campagnie des Libraires, M.DCCXXIX. (1729). COMPLETE Set of 5-volumes, FIRST EDITION, in 12mo, p. 331,[5] + [8],300 + [4],332 + [4],332 + [6],350. With engraved titles vignettes, 4 fulll engravings.

New edition. The work is a translation by the orientalist Pétis de la Croix of a manuscript given to him by the “Dervis Moclès,” containing stories originally in Persian but also known in a Turkish version. These tales, rooted in Islamic literary tradition, are compared to The Thousand and One Nights and intentionally follow its style. They are a unique literary creation of the 18th century, blending real oriental sources with imaginative elements, often inverting narrative conventions such as having a princess warned against men instead of a prince warned against women. Some critics suggest these tales were meant to continue the narrative of Barbins Arabian Nights.

Bound in full period marbled calfskin, with ornated smooth back, title and number labels in red morocco. Visible external wear. Marbled end papers, red edges, clean and tight inside.

Rare and Good copy.