MÉNAGE (Gilles). Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue fran - Lot 121

MÉNAGE (Gilles). Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue françoise... Paris, Briasson, 1750. 2 vols. folio, 25.5 x 39.5 cm, 1 f., XX + CVIII + 726 pp., 1 f. & 1 f., 588 pp, 2 ff, XL + 224 pp, contemporary binding in marbled fawn calf, gilded coat of arms in center of boards, spine ribbed and decorated with gilded motifs. Extensively enlarged edition (the 1650 and 1694 editions were in one volume) of the first French etymological dictionary. It is followed by a Dictionnaire des termes du vieux françois, ou Trésor de recherches et antiquités gauloises et françoises... by M. Borel, with a special title and pagination. A very good copy, bearing the arms of the Duc de la Vallière (1708-1780), one of the greatest bibliophiles of the 18th century (OHR 1719, iron no. 1), with a handwritten note from the period "Cat. de Nyon n° 7663. Double à vendre" (La Vallière catalog. 2nd part, vol. III, December 1784, no. 7663). Minor spotting, first white endpaper of second volume torn but not missing. Binding worn: headpieces torn off, jaws cracked but solid, corners worn.