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[Rare 1782 First Edition] Ambigu Littéraire, ou Tout ce qu'il vous plaira — Covered in Antique French Papier Dominoté
[Rare 1782 First Edition] Ambigu Littéraire, ou Tout ce qu'il vous plaira — Covered in Antique French Papier Dominoté
[Rare 1782 First Edition] Ambigu Littéraire, ou Tout ce qu'il vous plaira — Covered in Antique French Papier Dominoté
[Rare 1782 First Edition] Ambigu Littéraire, ou Tout ce qu'il vous plaira — Covered in Antique French Papier Dominoté
[Rare 1782 First Edition] Ambigu Littéraire, ou Tout ce qu'il vous plaira — Covered in Antique French Papier Dominoté
[Rare 1782 First Edition] Ambigu Littéraire, ou Tout ce qu'il vous plaira — Covered in Antique French Papier Dominoté

[Rare 1782 First Edition] Ambigu Littéraire, ou Tout ce qu'il vous plaira — Covered in Antique French Papier Dominoté

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Step back into the literary salons of pre-revolutionary France with this exceptionally rare 1782 edition of Ambigu Littéraire, ou Tout ce qu'il vous plaira ("The Literary Medley, or Whatever You Please"). Published under the enigmatic pseudonym M. D* (attributed to Descevole), this captivating anthology offers an eclectic mix of 18th-century French essays, poetry, and intellectual wit.

Adding immensely to its historical and aesthetic value, this specific volume comes bound in its authentic, highly collectible 18th-century French domino paper (papier dominoté). Featuring a striking block-printed geometric grid intertwined with hand-painted yellow ochre and terracotta floral motifs, this cover is a stunning surviving example of period folk art and bookbinding tradition. The book measures 5.5" x 8.5" and 226 pages.

Key Highlights & Features
  • Historic Domino Paper: Bound in an original, hand-colored papier dominoté (Pattern No. 63, stamped by the historic workshop of Andorre & Noël). Domino paper covers were meant to be temporary, making surviving intact examples incredibly scarce today.
  • Intriguing Censorship Imprint: The title page features a false "A Londres" (London) imprint—a classic tactical maneuver used by 18th-century printers to evade strict French royal censorship and taxation.
  • Parisian Provenance: Explicitly notes its distribution in Paris by the famed printer P. De Lormel, located on rue du Foin S.-Jacques under the storefront sign of Saint Genevieve.
  • Charming Epigraph: Features a prominent woodcut vignette of a fortress alongside a classic self-deprecating Latin epigraph from Martial’s Epigrams: "Sunt bona, sunt quaedam mediocria, sunt mala plura..." ("Some things here are good, some mediocre, and more are bad: a book is not made any other way").
Bibliographic Specifications
  • Title: Ambigu Littéraire, ou Tout ce qu'il vous plaira
  • Author: M. D*** (Descevole)
  • Publisher: Chez P. De Lormel (False London Imprint)
  • Year of Publication: 1782 (M. DCC. LXXXII.)
  • Language: French (with Latin epigraph)
  • Binding: Original wrapper of block-printed, stencil-colored French domino paper over stitched text block.
  • Country of Origin: France
Condition Report
  • Overall Condition: [Insert Overall Grade, e.g., Very Good / Collector's Condition]
  • Cover: The delicate papier dominoté wrapper is remarkably well-preserved. Minor edge wear, rubbing, and typical age toning are consistent with a fragile, 240+ year-old paper binding. Colors remain wonderfully distinct.
  • Spine & Structure: Stitched binding remains secure and intact.
  • Interior: [Insert details, e.g., Pages show light, uniform foxing and age-toning. Features early handwritten ownership notes in ink on the upper margin of the title page, adding unique historic character. No significant tears or missing text.]

 

 

 

5.5" x 8.5" 226 pages