Montaigne (Michel de) Journal du Voyage de Michel de Montaigne en Italie, par la Suisse & l'Allemagne, en 1580 & 1581, half-title, fine engraved portrait frontispiece of Montaigne by St. Aubin, spotted, lightly browned, contemporary speckled calf, richly gilt spine in compartments and with red morocco label, spine ends chipped, corners worn, rubbed, 4to (280 x 203mm.), Rome & Paris, Chez Le Jay, 1774.

⁂ First edition of the notes from Montaigne's travels, which had lain undiscovered until some two hundred years later, when they were brought to light by l'Abbé Prunis. Due to the excitement surrounding the discovery three editions were produced by Le Jay in 1774 (a quarto; a 2 vol.12mo; and a 3 vol. 12mo). Although no firm precedence has been given to the editions, this quarto has long since been preferred as the first edition. A copy with good margins.