Lot 08049

CHAUSSARD Pierre Jean-Baptiste, “Fêtes et Courtisanes de la Grèce. Supplément aux Voyages d’Anarchis et d’Antenor. Comprenant: 1. La Chronique religieuse des anciens Grecs, Tableau de leurs moeurs publiques; 2. La Chronique qu’aucuns nommeront scandaleuse, Tableau de leurs moeurs privées; 3. Un Almanach athénien; 4. La Description des danses grecques, etc. Quatrième édition revue et corrigée”, Edité par Paris, Chez les Principaux Libraires, 1821. 4 volumes (COMPLETE), in 8vo, (iv),544;(iv),436;(iv),382;(iv),xii,464 pp.

4th edition, revised and corrected, illustrated with 4 engraved frontispieces, 6 folding plates (i.a. Planisphère), 1 large folding table (Culte du Soleil), 6 plates with engraved music and 6 other plates (5 folding).

The prolific French writer Pierre-Jean-Baptiste Chaussard (1766-1823), art critic, poet and revolutionary politician, was influenced by the great success of the fictional historical reconstruction of the ancient Greek world by JJ Barthélemy, “Voyage du jeune Anacharsis” and the corresponding work of E.Fr. Lantier, “Antenor voyages to Greece and Asia”. He composed this sensual essay, which deals with issues of the ancient Greek religion, ancient Greek customs and traditions, holidays, dances, theatrical dialogues and a narrative about the adventures of Sappho, the important lyric poet from Mytilene.

Full calfskin, spine with four nerves decorated with gold, floral gilt lace framing the covers, marbled end papers and edges. Covers rather rubbed, somewhat bumped corners. Text leaves fine, rather fresh engravings, spatial browning and spotting inside, but clean and tight. Good Set overall.