Joseph

BITAUBÉ, Paul-Jérémie. Joseph.
Paris, Didot l'Aîné, 1786.

In-8 (197 x 123 mm), (2) ff., 382 pp., (2) ff.
Full red morocco, gilt roulette framing the boards, smooth spine decorated with a central iron in each box and separated by triple fillet, gilt title, roulette on the edges, gilt edges, inner roulette (19th century binding).

Fourth edition, illustrated with a frontispiece portrait by Cochin and 9 full-page engravings by Marilier.
Bitaubé's reputation had already been firmly established by his translation of the Illiad when he wrote this epic prose poem inspired by the story of the Hebrew patriarch, who, jealous of his brothers, was sold to a merchant's caravan. The work quickly became successful enough to be published in several editions and translated in several European countries.

A fine copy with pleasant margins.
Pages 25 to 53 uniformly browned and marginal wetness at bottom of page of ninth engraving not affecting it.