RESTIF de LA BRETONNE (Nicolas-Edme). Philosophy of Monsieur - Lot 20

RESTIF de LA BRETONNE (Nicolas-Edme). Philosophy of Monsieur Nicolas. Par l'Auteur du Coeur-Humain-Dévoilé. A Paris, de l'Imprimerie du Cercle Social, (1796) l'an V. 3 volumes in-12, red half-chagrin, ornate ribbed spine, marbled edges (19th century binding). Unique first edition. One of Restif's most singular writings, composed in a facetious, poetic tone, featuring a series of philosophical, astronomical and aesthetic reflections by "Monsieur Nicolas". The final pages are devoted to the criteria of beauty to be applied to women. "This is the most reasonable work one could put in a madman's library; it belongs next to Cyrano de Bergerac's 'Voyage dans la Lune'." Lacroix, p.407 Some foxing. Handwritten annotation on false title.