Attractive set of the first issue of the famous Kehl edition of the complete works by Voltaire (pseudonym of François Marie Arouet, 1694-1778) and with introductions and notes by Nicolas Marquis de Condorcet (1743-1794). The name of this "Kehl edition" derives from the small German town in which it was printed to avoid French censorship. Following the death of Voltaire, the Société Littéraire Typographique was founded there and dedicated themselves to the Herculean task of disseminating Voltaires work through a definitive, and typographically magnificent, edition. This group of Enlightenment intellectuals was led by Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais (1732-1799), who financed the operation, as well as the Marquis de Condorcet, who acted as the chief editor. De Beaumarchais is perhaps best known for his very successful Figaro plays Le Barbier de Séville, Le Mariage de Figaro, and La Mère coupable. Two of these plays made incredibly successful transitions to opera: The Barber of Seville was adapted by Paisiello and The Marriage of Figaro was adapted by Mozart and Da Ponte.
A complete list of contents available upon request.
With the bookplate of George Powney Esq. pasted on the front pastedown and a later annotation in pencil on p. 130 of volume 14. Some loose volume and title labels.Corners of the bindings occassionally showing and worn. Some volumes have loose hinges.The majority of the volumes show the following: slight marginal water staining to the first and last few leaves, and occasional (slight) staining, foxing and browning. In volume 12 the head margin of pp. 201-218 is somewhat damaged, pp. 251-54 in volume 31 show a tear along the fore edge, a large tear in p. 223 of volume 39. Otherwise in good condition. Bengesco, G., Voltaire. Bibliographie de ses oeuvres, 1882-1885; Bibliotheque Nationale, Voltaire, 1979; Muir, P.H., The Kehl Edition of Voltaire, 1948.