1839 ❧ Historical manuscripts. SILVESTRE, JOSEPH-BALTHAZAR. 1791-1869. Paleographie Universelle. Collection de fac-simile d'ecritures de tous les peoples et de tous les temps. Paris: Firmin Didot Freres, 1839-1841. 4 volumes, folio (600 x 430 mm). Half-titles, engraved title in each volume, 296 plates, many printed in colors and heighted with hand-coloring and gilt, lacking a few accompanying text leaves. Loose as issued in green-morocco backed green cloth chemises, spines gilt lettered, with matching green cloth slipcases. Some spotting, occasional light offsetting and browning. FIRST EDITION of this meticulously illustrated work with plates depicting hand-copied facsimiles of historical manuscript styles from across the world. 'A landmark work, executed with the greatest luxury,' according to Brunet. Brunet V: 390; Graesse VI 408. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing