AUGUIS, Pierre-René (1786-1846). Les poètes françois depuis le XIIe siècle jusqu’àMalherbe. Paris: Crapelet, 1824.

The Duchesse de Berry’s copy of this influential anthology of early French poetry.Large paper copy, no. 10 of 50 copies on Hollande paper. The editor, Pierre-René Auguis, served in the Napoleonic Wars and wrote several books on the subject. He was also a professor of literature and deputy for Deux-Sèvres in the French assembly from 1831 to 1844, specializing in budgetary matters. He was appointed curator of the Mazarine Library in 1842, a position that he held until his death a few years later. Vicaire VI, 749-750.

Six volumes, octavo (231 x 146mm). Later 19th century crushed brown morocco gilt by Simier, all edges gilt, with the arms of the Duchesse de Berry on covers. Provenance: Marie-Caroline de Bourbon-Sicile, Duchesse de Berry (1798-1870; binding) – Sir Robert Henry Edward Abdy (1896-1976; “D.R. Abdy” bookplate).