Denis Diderot (1713-1784) – French writer, philosopher, proponent of Enlightenment and one of the most important authors of the Encyclopédie
Jean-Baptiste le Rond d’Alembert (1717-1783) – One of the 18th century's most renowned mathematicians, physicists and philosophers of Enlightenment
'Recueil de Planches, sur les Sciences, les Arts Mechaniques, avec leur Explication. Seconde Livraison, en deux Parties, Premiere Partie.'
Printed and published by Le Breton in Paris in 1763
Second edition of the first part of the famous Encyclopédie
With together 206 full-page and partly double-page copper plates with accompanying texts
The plates show illustrations from the heraldry, textile manufacture, type foundry and calligraphy, scale – and boat building
Among the trades we find gold-beaters, hosiery makers, butcher, baker, saddler, scholar, brewer, embroiderer, writer, chain maker, hat maker, boat builder etc.
Prevost, Defehrt, Goussier, Niodot, Aubin and Lucotte made the copper engravings
Later half calf binding with gilt-lettered title on spine
Dimensions of folio volume: 44 x 29 x 7 cm
Complete copy in good condition
Genuinely preserved copy of the first part of what presumably was the 18th century's most famous French encyclopedia
Object is regular taxed. 7% VAT is added to the purchase price for deliveries within the EU.

The 'Recueil de Planches' was co-published by Denis Diderot and Jean Baptiste le Rond d’Alembert and contains articles by 142 co-authors, the so-called encyclopedists. The first volume was published in 1751. In 1780 the series was completed with the 35th volume. The Encyclopédie is one of the main works of Enlightenment. It comprises around 60,000 articles. In English the title would translates to ‘Encyclopedia or a thought-out lexicon about sciences, arts and handcrafts’.

Condition:

Strong impression on firm laid paper. Book block untrimmed, accordingly paper somewhat dusted and browned in margin. With some water-staining towards end.

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