The outstanding collection of late 17th- and 18th-century books, together with their sumptuous bindings, built up by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the last 20 years of the 19th century, match his other extraordinary collections (covered by earlier catalogues in the series), and is among the best of its kind outside Paris. This catalogue reveals for the fi rst time the riches of his book collection.
The 790 books refl ect Baron Ferdinand's interests as a refi ned connoisseur and amateur historian. Not interested in fi rst editions or rare texts, he collected instead books with a distinguished provenance, those with magnifi cent bindings and ones illustrated by celebrated artists. Many of these also related to his interest in the history of this period, documenting social culture, costume, travel, architecture and, in particular, royal entertainments and ceremonies. Among coats-of-arms are those of Louis XIV, Louis XV, Madame de Pompadour and Marie-Antoinette. The magnifi cent bindings are by renowned artisans working at the pinnacle of their craft: Padeloup, the Derome family and Le Monnier, who are known for lavish dentelle and mosaic styles.
The two volumes provide introductory surveys of the collecting of ancien régime books, of Baron Ferdinand's life, historical interests and manner of book collecting (using important and unpublished trade documentation), an overview of the collection by subjects, a more detailed description of the illustrated books, and another of the wide range of royal, bibliophile and other important provenance. Seven substantial chapters describe and discuss the late 17th- and 18th-century Parisian bookbinding trade and techniques of decorative gilding. They include particular studies on the work and production of leading bookbinders. The evolution of the various styles of the period are discussed, including the bindings of the Cabinet du Roi, and lists are provided of all the examples in the collection, before a fi nal section of bookbinders' 'signing' of their work, and lists of English and other bookbindings at Waddesdon.
Of special important is the classifi ed index of French bookbinders' tools, some 1000 of those on the Waddesdon books being reproduced digitally, thus providing an authoritative reference fi les on the best French bookbinding of this period. All 790 books are described in full detail, with titlepage transcriptions, collations, lists of plates, details of provenance, descriptions of bindings, and notes on the importance of the works involved. A provenance index lists all identifi ed past owners, with brief biographical notes on them. There is also a select bibliography.
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