LONGUS (2nd century CE). Les amours pastorales de Daphnis et Chloé. Translated by Jacques Amyot. Paris: s.n., 1745.

“The Regent’s Book”—with the infamous “petits pieds”plate. These famous illustrations for Longus’s ancient romance novel were drawn by Philippe d'Orleans, Regent of France, under instruction from Antoine Coypel to accompany Amyot's translation. They were first published in 1718 in an edition of 250 copies only. The rather cheeky additional plate “les petits pieds” after the Baron de Caylus, present here, is only included with some copies. Cohen-de Ricci 652; Ray, The Art of the French Illustrated Book2B.

Octavo (153 x 94mm). Engraved pastoral head and tailpieces; engraved frontispiece title dated 1718; 29 engravings, 13 of which double-page. Contemporary French red morocco with broad gilt border, edges gilt (hinges neatly repaired). Provenance: Dales Letour (signature on title).