Les Accidens Heureux Ou L'Amour En Gayete Almanach Lyrico-Recreatif -

Paris: Janet, 1786. 24, 24pp., + engraved title page and 12ff. engravings. An almanac for 1787, with the customary data on moon phases and eclipses (these indicated by quaint interlinear illustrations) and saints' days. Inserted within the almanac pages are verses of love poetry, each with an engraved illustration highlighting an instance of courtly affection. These include bathing, gifts, and walking through various pastoral landscapes. The text has been sumptuously bound in embroidered ivory silk. On both covers, double borders of sequins and purl surround a bouquet formed from more sequins, some painted blue and red, and purl. Red, blue, and purple flowers grace the crown of each bouquet, with purl radiating outward as petals. The interior of the upper board holds a mirror framed in gilt fabric; the interior of the lower has a pocket made from Dutch gilt paper affixed with silk. Binding has benefitted from professional conservation and shows slight soiling to silk; mirror tarnished, as usual, else near fine. A.e.g. Bookplate of former owner on front flyleaf. (2 3/4 x 1 3/4; 70x45mm).