Le Spectacle de la nature, ou Entretiens sur les particularités de l'histoire naturelle qui ont paru les plus propres à rendre les jeunes-gens curieux [...]. Nouvelle édition.

8 parts in 9 vols, 12mo (text n.c.); 203 (of 212 ?) pl.

Contemp. half calf, mottled paper on boards, spines with raised bands (some caps and hinges renewed or restored but still slightly worn).

Famous example of science popularisation (1st ed.: 1732, many reissues & translations). Ill. with 203 (incl. 9 frontisp.) engr. by Back and De Meuse, often folding, depicting botany, entomology, fishing, gardening, astronomy, music, watchmaking, navy, arts & crafts (textile, tannery, building, the making of candles...). The 8th part regarding the rapports between man and God is not illustrated.