Traittez Sur La Priere Publique

Paris: [J. Quillau for] J. Estienne, 1707. VOLUME ONE in contemporary RICHLY GILT RED MOROCCO WITH GILT GREEN MOROCCO DOUBLURES. VOLUME TWO in identically tooled GILT GREEN MOROCCO WITH GILT RED MOROCCO DOUBLURES.  Repetitions of a crossed feather tool, a foliage spray and a pointillé tulip make up the wide outer frame of the four exterior panels (slight loss to a small portion of gilt). A gilt foliage frame decorates the four morocco pastedowns (two green, two red), spines gilt and lettered, all edges gilt over marbling, blue silk marker in Vol. I, green silk marker in Vol. II. Apparently uncontroversial work (at least to modern eyes), this had at least nine printings during its first two years in circulation. In the Avis facing the title-page, the exclusive holder of the royal privilege, Jacques Estienne, complains of rampant piracy and of "copies très défectueuses". A highly visible theologian with a wide following, Duguet originally joined the Oratorians but withdrew from the order, when he refused to condemn Jansenism, the tenets of which the Traittez is infused.
 A most unusual set with the exterior of each volume paired with its mate's interior. In fine condition, partly effaced stamp front flyleaf of each volume.