Amusemens de la Campagne ou Récréations Historiques. Paris, 1749. Seven Volumes in Contemporary Calf

SEK 5,900.00

A complete mid eighteenth century French literary set, rich in anecdote, imagination, and noble provenance

This rare and uniform seven volume set of Amusemens de la Campagne offers a vivid glimpse into the literary tastes of eighteenth century France. Published in Paris in 1749, the collection gathers historical sketches, refined anecdotes, and playful narratives that reflect the social and intellectual diversions of the cultivated classes during the reign of Louis XV. Works of this kind were intended as elegant entertainments, combining light moral reflection with wit, curiosity, and a soft touch of the gallant and the imaginative.

The production of the set is striking. Each volume is bound in contemporary mottled calf with gilt tooled spines, original title labels, and a distinctive wave pattern that gives the set a lively harmony on the shelf. Uniform survival of all seven volumes is uncommon, particularly in contemporary bindings, which makes this example especially appealing to collectors of eighteenth century French literature.

The set carries an early ownership inscription from the Swedish noble family Nordenstråhl, a provenance that adds international dimension to its history. The circulation of such literary collections among eighteenth century Scandinavian elites speaks to the strong cultural links connecting France with northern Europe.

The bindings display the expected rubbing, scuffing, and edge wear of nearly three centuries of careful use yet retain much of their elegance. The interiors are clean with light toning, occasional foxing, and minor closed tears, all consistent with age and handling. The paper remains supple and the printing clear.

As a historical artefact the set captures the sociable, conversational spirit of Enlightenment reading culture. It stands at the intersection of anecdotal history, polite literature, and the book arts of the French ancien régime. For collectors of French literary sets, eighteenth century bindings, or volumes with distinguished Swedish provenance, this is a refined and highly attractive survival.

A complete mid eighteenth century French literary set, rich in anecdote, imagination, and noble provenance

This rare and uniform seven volume set of Amusemens de la Campagne offers a vivid glimpse into the literary tastes of eighteenth century France. Published in Paris in 1749, the collection gathers historical sketches, refined anecdotes, and playful narratives that reflect the social and intellectual diversions of the cultivated classes during the reign of Louis XV. Works of this kind were intended as elegant entertainments, combining light moral reflection with wit, curiosity, and a soft touch of the gallant and the imaginative.

The production of the set is striking. Each volume is bound in contemporary mottled calf with gilt tooled spines, original title labels, and a distinctive wave pattern that gives the set a lively harmony on the shelf. Uniform survival of all seven volumes is uncommon, particularly in contemporary bindings, which makes this example especially appealing to collectors of eighteenth century French literature.

The set carries an early ownership inscription from the Swedish noble family Nordenstråhl, a provenance that adds international dimension to its history. The circulation of such literary collections among eighteenth century Scandinavian elites speaks to the strong cultural links connecting France with northern Europe.

The bindings display the expected rubbing, scuffing, and edge wear of nearly three centuries of careful use yet retain much of their elegance. The interiors are clean with light toning, occasional foxing, and minor closed tears, all consistent with age and handling. The paper remains supple and the printing clear.

As a historical artefact the set captures the sociable, conversational spirit of Enlightenment reading culture. It stands at the intersection of anecdotal history, polite literature, and the book arts of the French ancien régime. For collectors of French literary sets, eighteenth century bindings, or volumes with distinguished Swedish provenance, this is a refined and highly attractive survival.