ESTARVIELLE (Jacques). Monsieur de Montespan. Paris, Librair - Lot 88

ESTARVIELLE (Jacques). Monsieur de Montespan. Paris, Librairie de Paris, Firmin-Didot et Cie, 1929. 8vo, paperback, 172 pp., publisher’s cloth/cream paper cover printed in black and red, 12 plates of portraits, views, and photographic documents, including the frontispiece portrait of Madame de Montespan after Gaspard Netscher. “Histoires de France” series. First edition. The book is a study devoted to Louis-Henri de Pardaillan de Gondrin, Marquis de Montespan, husband of Louis XIV’s famous mistress, and is presented as an attempt to rehabilitate his reputation. The BnF does list this publication by Jacques Estarvielle, published by Firmin-Didot in 1929. There is a limited edition of 40 numbered copies printed on Montgolfier frères pure rag paper. This is a copy from the regular print run. A fine paperback copy, untrimmed. The cover is slightly dusty with scattered foxing, mainly on the front and back covers; there are minor signs of wear on the spine and headbands. The interior is clean overall.