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, & à leur former l'esprit [...]. Nouvelle édition.

9 vol., 12mo (complete with 203 pl., only front. of vol. V missing; some foxing and spotting, sl. (marg.) damp stains in vol. III-IV-V-VI, lower part of pl. 96 in vol. I missing, sm. marg. hole in pl. p. 90 of vol. II, front. of vol. VIII loose, marg. tear to p. 30 of vol. III and one tear strengthened to p. 531 of vol. VII).

19th-c. half green calf, marbled paper covers, gilt orn. spines with raised bands, brown spr. edges (spines faded, covers sl. rubbed, wormholes to joints, lack of leather to spine of vol. V, lower joint of vol. VI split).

Famous example of science popularisation (1st ed.: 1732, many reissues & translations). Ill. with 8 frontispieces and 203 plates, mostly folding, depicting botany, entomology, fishing, gardening, astronomy, music, watchmaking, navy, arts & crafts (textile, tannery, building, the making of candles...).
Ref. Barbier IV:557-558. - Not in Caillet (other ed.), Dorbon (id.).
Prov. (Blind) stamps (some hidden with a piece of paper).