DIDEROT, Denis (1713-1784) - Jean D’ALEMBERT (1717-1783) - Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers. Lausanne and Bern: Sociétés Typographique, 1781.   A delightful copy, complete with the plate volumes, of this small format edition of the Encyclopedie, one of the most splendid products of the Enlightenment, and one of the great landmarks of Western intellectual history. "A monument in the history of European thought; the pinnacle of the age of reason; a primary driving force in undermining the Ancien régime and announcing the French Revolution; a permanent source for all aspects of 18th-century civilization" (PMM). "The largest encyclopedia of science, which has had a widespread effect in establishing uniformity of terminology, concept and procedure in all fields of science and technology" (Grolier-Horblit).   39 volumes, 8vo (215 x 165mm). 36 volumes of text and 3 volumes of plates: half-titles, woodcut decorations on titles, woodcut headpieces and initials, 426 engraved plates divided as follows: 141 plates in the first volume (137 called for in SBN); 162 plates in second volume (163 in SBN); 123 plates in the third volume (as in SBN) (some browning, occasional foxing). Contemporary half calf with gilt decorations and titles on spine labels, marbled covers, blue speckled edges (some wear on spine and extremities, light rubbing, some volumes with darkened spines). The volumes have not been collated and are not subject to return. (39)

Estimate € 500 - 800

Sold € 1,100