Essai sur la vie du Grand Conde

London: Spottiswoode, 1842.

Presentation copy from the author, Lord Mahon, later 5th Earl Stanhope (1805-75), to Countess of Rosebery, with ink inscription to verso of the half-title page, dated 1843(9?); Demy 8vo. (220 mm); (iii), 442, (1) pp; full contemp. calf binding, gilt double rule to boards surrounding a panel in blind, spine divided into six panels by raised bands with black morocco label lettered in gilt, edges of spine very lightly rubbed; marbled pastedowns and endpapers; armorial bookplate; page edges marbled. A handsome copy. The first edition in French, limited to 100 copies: "The Life of Condé was originally written by the author in the French language, and without any view of publication. A very small number of copies of that work was printed in 1842 for a circle of personal friends." - COPAC On the titlepage : "Ce livre n'est pas en vente. Il n'y que cent exemplairos de tiros." ie: "this book is not for sale. 100 copies only printed".