Secret memoirs of the Court of Petersburg: Particularly Towards the End of the Reign of Catharine II. and the Commencement of that of Paul I.
Forming a Description of the Manners of Petersburg at the Close of the Eighteenth Century; and Containing Various Anecdotes, Collected During a Residence of Ten Years in that Capital. Together with Remarks on the Education of the Grand-Dukes, the Manners of the Ladies, and the Religion of the People. Translated from the French. In two volumes.
London: Printed by C. Whittingham, for T. N. Longman and O. Rees, 1800 Stock Code: 131422
First edition in English, following publication in French the same year. Masson (1762-1807) had been a French member of the Russian court, and to their displeasure revealed many of their salacious secrets in the present work. This present English translation has some of the more sordid anecdotes removed, "the grossness of which would undoubtedly outrage the public and private feelings of Englishmen" (advertisement). With the bookplate of William Lewis Hughes, 1st Baron Dinorben (1767-1852), British copper mine owner, philanthropist and Whig politician.
Description
2 volumes, octavo (206 x 131 mm). Contemporary quarter calf by J. Seacome of Chester, smooth spines lettered and tooled in gilt, marbled side and endpapers.
Condition
Very light wear to spines and extremities. A very good copy.
DELIVERY
With the exception of framed items*, Peter Harrington offers free delivery on all UK orders of rare books, maps and prints placed through this website. Delivery to USA and the rest of the world is similarly free for orders over £200.
ABOUT US
Established in 1969, Peter Harrington is one of the leading rare book firms in the world. It is a proud member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association – along with ILAB, the PBFA and Lapada – and from shops in Mayfair and Chelsea, London, sells rare books, prints and ephemera to customers across the world.
Email: mail@peterharrington.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 7591 0220
