Les Epoux Malheureux, ou Histoire de Monsieur & Madame de la Bedoyere
Publisher: La Haye (The Hague): “A La Haye” [likely false imprint, probably Paris or Amsterdam], 1764.
Edition: First Edition
Binding: Contemporary full calf, gilt-tooled spines with floral motifs, contrasting red leather title labels. Four volumes bound in two (vols. I–II: Les Epoux Malheureux; vols. III–IV: Recueil de Procès). Red edges. Bindings worn with rubbing, chipping to spine heads, corners softened. Still handsome, with intact gilt tooling.
Description: A rare and complete four-volume set of one of the most sensational French legal and marital scandals of the 18th century. Les Epoux Malheureux presents the tragic story of Monsieur and Madame de la Bédoyère, embroiled in betrayal, litigation, and public disgrace. The companion Recueil volumes provide the full documentary record of the case, including pleadings, testimonies, and the judgment of the Parlement of Paris.
Condition: Good–Fair. Contemporary calf with gilt spines and red labels. Wear, rubbing, losses at spine ends, corners bumped. Joints tender but holding. Internally crisp with occasional light toning, a remarkably clean copy overall.
Annotation: A scarce four-volume set documenting one of the major French legal scandals of the 1760s. Combining melodrama, adultery, and courtroom intrigue, the work epitomizes the “causes célèbres” genre and remains of great interest for collectors of law, scandal literature, and Enlightenment social history.
Item #148
Price: $650.00