The Encyclopédie, 1778-81 (39 vols)

Denis Diderot & Jean le Rond d'Alembert:

Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers. Vols. 1-36 + 3 vols. (”Recueil des planches”).

Berne & Lausanne 1778-81. 8vo. (20,5 x 13,5 cms.) Folding tables in text. With 426 engraved plates and maps in the three plate volumes, many folding and some with multiple plate numbers (i.e. intended to be cut apart and bound separately). One engraved plate in final volume of text. Without portraits.

39 volumes, contemporary full calf, worn and a little dry, spines gilt in compartments with raised bands. Spines of about ten volumes slightly chipped at head, endleaves browned, text clean despite a few scattered stains, insignificant dampstain in volume 32. Plates without stains or tears, but sometimes creased in outer margins and a little carelessly folded.

Third edition, the first, in folio, appeared in 1751-1772.

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