Les manuscrits francois (francais) de la Bibliotheque du Roi (catalogue raisonne of French manuscripts)

Seven volumes, complete. First and only edition of one of the great catalogues of manuscripts, Paulin Paris' thorough, accurate, and detailed catalogue raisonne of French language manuscripts in the Bibliotheque du Roi (now the Bibliotheque Nationale). In his descriptions, which average about three pages in length but which are often much longer, the author provides not only precise descriptions of over 1,000 manuscripts and their contents, but also information concerning provenance and, in many cases, lengthy quotations. An incomparable source for medieval and renaissance French culture: the manuscripts concern literature, hunting, gastronomy, and just about everything else. The vast majority of the manuscripts were unpublished when Paris compiled this catalogue, and the majority are still unpublished today. Fully indexed. Beautifully printed by Plon. This copy is on fine wove paper. 8vo. Attractively bound in cloth and marbled boards. Minimal wear to bindings, else fine and bright. An excellent set. Brunet IV, 371: "Ce n'est pas ici un simple catalogue ou l'on se soit borne a l'indication sommaire du contenu de chaque manuscrit, mais c'est un recueil de notices interessantes et remplies de citations curieuses; l'auteur est un des principaux collaborateurs de la continuation de l'Histoire litteraire de la France." Paulin Paris was one of the most important medievalists of the generation that included Francisque Michel, Achille Jubinal, and Le Roux de Lincy. In 1832, at the age of 32, he edited "Berte aus grans pies", the first chanson de geste (medieval French epic) published in France.