Recueil de Maximes, de Pensees et de Reflexions. Channel Islands Rarity

LE MARCHANT, Josue

Published by T. Rognon, St. Peter Port, Guernesey / Guernsey, 1776,

About this Item

LE MARCHANT, Josué. Recueil de Maximes, de Pensées et de Refléxions. [St. Peter Port,] Guernesey: T. Rognon, 1776. 1l. + t.p. + (v)-xviii + (19)-258 +1l: "fautes d'impression." Sm 8vo, orig. full calf (worn). 15.2 cm. A CHANNEL ISLANDS INCUNABLE. The earliest recorded imprint of the Island of Guernsey, and the (?) second earliest recorded imprint of the Channel Islands. The ESTC records one location, British Museum: "Imperfect: wanting the halftitle?" [i.e.: wanting preliminary blank leaf and errata leaf at end.] The chief librarian, Dr. H. Tomlinson, of the Priaulx Library, St Peter Port, informs us: "I thought that the book was quite rare but I see from our records that we hold nine copies in this library." The Le Marchant family was extremely influential on the island during the eighteenth-century, having provided four Bailiffs (or Chief Citizens) during that time. It is possible that this Josué was one who was rector of St. Peter Port around the time of the publication of the book. Inscribed by a former owner, "Marie Paint/ 4emede Septembre 1818/ Gaspé" [Province of Quebec]. The circumstances of the voyage to Gaspé by Nicholas and Marie Paint (née Le Mesurier) are matters ofthe history of the commercial association of the Gaspe cod fishers and Channel Islanders. Nicholas Paint was also appointed Justice of the Peace for Cape Breton Island in 1820. The 1790 felony involving the printing equipmentformerly belonging to Rognon is also a matter of historical record. Rognonhimself was arrested (and charged?) with the arson which destroyed the printing office and equipment, as well as destroying a store. Excessively rare[but for the (?) remainder of copies preserved in the Priaulx Library]. Worn through at corners and spine ends, covers rubbed with a short surface tear, lacking both front and rear free endpapers, minor pencil marks to a couple of pages, previous owner's inscription (see above), else a very good, internally bright copy, with the front blank leaf and errata leaf. 5,000.00. Seller Inventory # 28662

Bibliographic Details

Title: Recueil de Maximes, de Pensees et de ...

Publisher: T. Rognon, St. Peter Port, Guernesey / Guernsey, 1776,