Mémoires sur la vie De Mademoiselle De Lenclos, François Joly, Amsterdam, 1803

 

This is a rare book which was published in 1803. It is very special to me because it is my first antique book with over 200 years of history. I found it yesterday during an 'antiques hunting expedition' at Portobello Antiques Market. When I hold it I couldn't help but think that this little fellow had to come back home with me to be cherished and cared for. The hardcover, as you can see from the images, has some lack of leather, which is reflective of the long life of the book, and which, to my eyes, only contributes to more charm. The book is small to fit in one hand and internally is in extremely good condition.

I love the Latin sentence by the poet Virgil that is printed under the title on the first page: “Felix, qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas”, translated as “Fortunate is he, who is able to know the causes of things”. A sentence that is very reflective of my curiosity and love for research. Hence it draws me into being intrigued by this publication even more. 

Mademoiselle De Lenclos, Anne "Ninon" de l'Enclos (1620– 1705) was a French author, courtesan, and patron of the arts. Apparently, she was noted for her wit, and among her numerous sayings is: "Much more genius is needed to make love than to command armies." ❤️❤️❤️