Claude-Joseph DORAT. Les Baisers, précédés du Mois de Mai, P - Lot 21

Claude-Joseph DORAT. Les Baisers, précédés du Mois de Mai, Poëme. La Haye, Paris, Lambert, Delalain, 1770. In-8, marbled calf, gilt border, smooth spine, marbled edges (Binding of the period). Cohen, 308 / Reynaud, 135 /// 119. Second edition of Les Baisers, a masterpiece of finesse and delicacy. This edition is one of the most sought-after among lovers of 18th-century illustrated works. "Illustrated with perfect taste and grace" (Cohen). It is illustrated with a frontispiece by Eisen engraved by Ponce, an out-of-text plate by Eisen engraved by De longueil, 22 chapter-heads, a title finial and 22 culs-de-lampe by Eisen and Marillier engraved on copper by Aliamet, Baquoy, Binet, Delauney and Ponce. Copy of the first edition, with pagination errors in the first leaves of Le Mois de Mai, and printed on large Hollande paper, with titles in red and black. A fine copy despite two skilful restorations to a hinge.