This complete five-volume set of Œuvres de Regnard, printed in Paris around 1801 by Pierre Didot l’aîné and Firmin Didot, represents the intersection of classical French theatre and early nineteenth-century printing innovation. Jean-François Regnard (1655–1709) was long regarded as the natural heir to Molière: a master of comedic timing, lively dialogue, and satirical observation. His plays—together with his travel writings and shorter pieces—circulated widely throughout eighteenth-century Europe, admired for their wit and theatrical craftsmanship.
The Didot stereotype editions are prized for their clarity and uniformity. Produced using the new stereotyping technique, they allowed printers to preserve consistent, elegant page impressions across large runs. In these volumes, the crisp Didot typography highlights Regnard’s comic rhythms with remarkable precision.
Bound in contemporary half-leather with marbled paper boards, the set carries the warm patina of two centuries. The spines show gilt tooling and light rubbing; corners exhibit expected wear. Internally, the pages are clean and evenly toned, with no loose gatherings observed. A sound and attractive example of early nineteenth-century French bookmaking.
Œuvres de Regnard.
Paris, Pierre Didot l’aîné & Firmin Didot.
Circa 1801.
Five volumes, in-12 format (approx. 14 cm).
Language: French.
Early Didot stereotype edition.
Regnard’s works embody the elegance and playfulness of the late Grand Siècle. This Didot edition frames that legacy within one of the period’s most influential printing traditions. Compact, visually appealing and intellectually rewarding, the set offers an engaging window into French comedic literature at the moment it became canonical.
A stylish and cohesive ensemble for collectors of French theatre, admirers of the Didot press, or any library seeking finely produced classics in original bindings.
This complete five-volume set of Œuvres de Regnard, printed in Paris around 1801 by Pierre Didot l’aîné and Firmin Didot, represents the intersection of classical French theatre and early nineteenth-century printing innovation. Jean-François Regnard (1655–1709) was long regarded as the natural heir to Molière: a master of comedic timing, lively dialogue, and satirical observation. His plays—together with his travel writings and shorter pieces—circulated widely throughout eighteenth-century Europe, admired for their wit and theatrical craftsmanship.
The Didot stereotype editions are prized for their clarity and uniformity. Produced using the new stereotyping technique, they allowed printers to preserve consistent, elegant page impressions across large runs. In these volumes, the crisp Didot typography highlights Regnard’s comic rhythms with remarkable precision.
Bound in contemporary half-leather with marbled paper boards, the set carries the warm patina of two centuries. The spines show gilt tooling and light rubbing; corners exhibit expected wear. Internally, the pages are clean and evenly toned, with no loose gatherings observed. A sound and attractive example of early nineteenth-century French bookmaking.
Œuvres de Regnard.
Paris, Pierre Didot l’aîné & Firmin Didot.
Circa 1801.
Five volumes, in-12 format (approx. 14 cm).
Language: French.
Early Didot stereotype edition.
Regnard’s works embody the elegance and playfulness of the late Grand Siècle. This Didot edition frames that legacy within one of the period’s most influential printing traditions. Compact, visually appealing and intellectually rewarding, the set offers an engaging window into French comedic literature at the moment it became canonical.
A stylish and cohesive ensemble for collectors of French theatre, admirers of the Didot press, or any library seeking finely produced classics in original bindings.
