(AUCTION CATALOGUE: GAIGNAT).

Supplement a la Bibliographie Instructive, ou Catalogue des Livres du Cabinet de feu M. Louis Jean Gaignat disposé & mis en Ordre par Guill. François De Bure le jeune…avec une Table alphabétique des Auteurs.

xxxix, [1], 621 pp.; 491, [1] pp. Two vols. Large 4to, cont. English blue-grey boards, carefully rebacked with white paper, orig. manuscript labels laid-down on spines, uncut. Paris: De Bure, 1769.

A fine large paper set of the auction catalogue of Gaignat’s magnificent library, comprising 3542 lots and including all of De Boze’s incunabula. This was one of the most important of the 18th-century sale catalogues. The sale brought 257,597 livres (Gaignat had spent 279,381 livres to form the library), with La Vallière the most important buyer, spending between 80 and 90,000 livres. The books were very elaborately catalogued by Debure and there is a 246-page index.

Gaignat (1697-1768), owned a Gutenberg Bible, three (!) copies on vellum of the 1462 Bible, glorious early illuminated manuscripts, etc., etc. Coming from a rich family in the Nivernais and, having lost his wife and only son, Gaignat found comfort by forming very important collections of books, manuscripts, and paintings.

These two volumes form a sort of supplement to Debure’s great Bibliographie instructive (1763-68) but were issued separately. Written by Debure, Gaignat’s catalogue contains many bibliographical corrections to the Bibliographie instructive.

Very good and fresh set.

❧ Gustave Brunet, Dictionnaire de Bibliologie Catholique, cols. 461-62. Horne, p. 707–“The erudite notices it contains render it indispensable to the bibliographical student.” Peignot, p. 99–“Catalogue précieux et recherché.” Pollard & Ehrman, p. 247 & number 291–“the sale took place on 10 April 1769 and following days. Gaignat was one of De Bure le Jeune’s best customers; and the bookseller’s taste had much influence on the selection of this library.” Taylor, Book Catalogues, pp. 8 & 242.

Price: $2,500.00

Item ID: 2809