"DROLLERY, KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORLD, VARIOUS SATIRE, GENERAL UTILITY, UNITED WITH GREAT VIVACITY OF COMPOSITION"
HAMILTON, Anthony, Count. Memoirs of Count Grammont. London: A.H. Bullen, 1903. Two volumes. Small octavo, contemporary full close-grain orange morocco gilt, raised bands, linen endpapers, top edges gilt. $600.
Limited edition of this satirical inside look at the court of King Charles II of England, number 58 of only 265 copies on hand-made paper, with 21 photogravures of the principals.
First published in French in 1713, this chronicle of a "reprobate count" captures the "easy and irresponsible air" of the English court of 1662-64. "For drollery, knowledge of the world, various satire, general utility, united with great vivacity of composition… the Memoirs of Grammont… deserve that character more than any which was ever written" (Walter Scott). Edited by Gordon Goodwin.
About-fine condition, with only faintest evidence of dampstain. Beautifully bound.