Catalogue des Livres rares et précieux de la Bibliothèque de feu M. Ant. Bern. Caillard..

xxiii, [1], 423 pp. 8vo, fine cont. polished calf (two corners a trifle worn), triple gilt fillet round sides, flat spine gilt, flat spine gilt "á la grotesque," turn-ins gilt, a.e.g. Paris: De Bure père et fils, 1808. The first issue of the auction catalogue of Caillard's library; our copy has been neatly priced throughout in a contemporary hand. The present catalogue (2650 lots and limited to 1200 copies) was published for the auction which was eventually held in 1810 (the second issue has 1810 on the title). This was an important library containing notable incunabula, classical texts, scientific and natural history works, and voyages in the finest possible condition and often printed on large paper. Also included are fine bindings and MSS. Antoine Bernard Caillard (1737-1807), had issued a privately printed catalogue of his library, limited to 25 copies only, in 1805. Caillard was a French diplomat and man of letters. A fine and attractive copy. Without, as usual, the rare four-page schedule of sale at end. ❧ Brunet, I, 1643. Grolier Club, Printed Catalogues of French Book Auctions...1643-1830, 497. N.B.G., VIII, pp. 108-09-"Il avait formé à grands frais une bibliothèque magnifique." Peignot, p. 87-"On y trouve quelques notes bibliographiques plus ou moins exactes. Destiné pour une vente, c'est un fort bon catalogue.".