[MONCRIF, François Augustin Paradis de (1687-1770)] - Les Chats. Rotterdam: Jean Daniel Beman, 1728.   Second illustrated edition, published shortly after the first in 1727, of one of the first monographs entirely dedicated to cats: the author uses and cites numerous historical sources with a satirical intent aimed at the pedantry of scholars. This genuine copy belonged to Amedeo Svajer (1727-1791), a famous German bibliophile and collector; after his death his books went on sale, many ended up in the Marciana Library and in the Civic Library of Udine, while many others are for sale at auction and on the market.   8vo (195 x 125mm). Woodcut device on title, woodcut head-and-tail pieces and initials, 10 engraved plates, two of which are folding and one folding genealogical table (browning, occasional staining not compromising the legibility of text, small wormholes to final page touching a letter). Contemporary vellum with gilt title on spine label, speckled edges (light wear, wormholes, wormtracks on endpapers). Provenance: Amedeo Svajer (bookplate on endpaper).

Estimate € 150 - 250

Sold € 600