Histoire des Celtes, et Particulierement des Gaulois et des Germains

A La Hague [The Hague]: Isaac Beauregard, 1740. First edition. Leather. Good. 7" by 4.5". None. The very scarce first edition of this two volume mid eighteenth century French language study of the history of the Celts, from 'the fabulous times' to the capture of Rome. In the original French.The very scarce first edition of French historian Simon Pelloutier's principal work, a study of the history of the Celts, with a particular focus on the Gauls and Germans.With detailed discussions of the agricultural practices, religion, 'virtues and vices' and military conquests of the Celtic people.Two volumes in one, with continuous pagination across both parts. With volume II title page - leaf H12 - lacking. While this first edition was viewed as factually flawed, the historical study was viewed as valuable enough to warrant further revised editions following Pelloutier's death, including Chiniac de la Bastide's 1771 edition.With the former owner's inscription 'HTA' to head of front pastedown, and with the armorial bookplate of Charles Bruce, Earl of Ailesbury, to the verso of the title page. Bruce was a British landowner and Tory politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1705 until 1711, when he was raised to the peerage as one of Harley's Dozen and sat in the House of Lords.A detailed eighteenth century study of the Celts and Gauls, concluding with a thrilling account of the capture of Rome. In a full calf binding, with gilt detailing to back strip. Rubbing to back strip and board perimeters, with minor loss of leather to back strip tail. Front and rear joints starting. Boards holding firm. Inscription to head of front pastedown. Internally, firmly bound. Armorial bookplate to verso of title page. Pages age toned, with significant spotting throughout, most prominent to title page and first few leaves. Good