Two volumes from the monumental collected works of Voltaire, published in Paris by Baudouin Frères in 1826. These volumes are preserved in their original printed paper wrappers (en broché), exactly as issued by the publisher prior to custom binding, featuring elegant neoclassical typographic borders.

The lot includes Volume 22 (Essai sur les mœurs, Tome IV) and Volume 58 (Politique et législation, Tome II). Voltaire's writings were cornerstone texts of the French Enlightenment, and these volumes represent the widespread dissemination of his philosophical, historical, and political thought during the Bourbon Restoration era.

Historical & Style Details

• Author: Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet, 1694–1778)
• Publisher: Baudouin Frères, Libraires (Paris)
• Period: Georgian
• Origin: France
• Material / Technique: Letterpress on paper, original printed paper wrappers
• Markings: Front covers printed with title, notes, publisher's address ("Rue de Vaugirard, N° 17"), and date "M. DCCC. XXVI."
• Condition: Wear and minor chipping to paper spines with small losses at heads and tails; light foxing and toning to wrappers; back cover of Volume 58 shows minor pinhole insect damage; edges untrimmed as issued

History

During the early 19th century, French publishers typically sold books in temporary printed paper wrappers, expecting the buyer to take them to a professional bookbinder for custom leather or half-calf binding. Finding volumes from this era surviving in their original, fragile publisher's wrappers is increasingly uncommon and highly valued by bibliophiles who appreciate historical authenticity.