1806 Rare Book Set - Tales of the Castle: or Stories of Instruction and Delight by Madame De Genlis.
(Description)
Author: Madame La Comtesse de Genlis. Translated into English by Thomas Holcroft.
Title: Tales of the Castle: or Stories of Instruction and Delight.
Publisher: London, Printed for G. Robinson, R. Phillips, Wilkie and Robinson, Scatcherd and Letterman, and J. Walker, 1806. Eighth Edition. Complete set of 5 volumes.
Language: Text in English
Size: 7" X 4.5".
Pages: 307, 263, 285, 249 and 257 pages.
Binding: Attractive and very good contemporary full tree calf leather binding with gilt floral decorations on the spine (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown, spines repaired professionally by a previous owner - as shown) under a removable protective mylar cover. A very nice book set!
Content: Very good content (bright, tight, and clean, rare light foxing and staining - as shown).
Illustrations: Complete with the 5 beautiful engraved frontispieces showing delightful scenes complementing the stories.
Estimate: (USD 500 - USD 800).
The book: Tales of the Castle: or Stories of Instruction and Delight, originally titled Les Veillées du Château in French, is a didactic work by Madame La Comtesse de Genlis, known for her contributions to educational literature in the 18th century. This English translation by Thomas Holcroft brings forth the timeless themes of virtue and moral instruction. A beloved book of its time, it was included in Jane Austen's personal library, and Austen herself acknowledged its influence. She admired the instructional nature of the stories, which provided moral lessons to young readers, especially women. This work reflects the societal values of the period and resonates with themes of virtue, conduct, and the importance of family—qualities that also feature prominently in Austen's novels.
The author: Stéphanie Félicité, Madame de Genlis (1746–1830), was a French writer, educator, and salonnière. Known for her works on education and her role as the governess to the children of the Duke of Orléans, she championed progressive ideas about child-rearing and education, emphasizing moral development. Her works were widely read across Europe, contributing significantly to 18th-century educational thought.