Gardening, 1739. France. *Instruction pour les jardins fruitiers et potagers*. Two Volumes

Gardening, 1739. France. *Instruction pour les jardins fruitiers et potagers*. Two Volumes

A magnificent antique treatise on gardening, agriculture, and fruit trees, published in France in 1739. This is an original two-volume work from the period, very well preserved and featuring eleven engravings. The treatise also contains two fold-out plates with beautifully rendered drawings. The full title of the work is Instruction pour les jardins fruitiers et potagers. Avec un traité des orangers, Et des Réflexions sur l'Agriculture (Instructions for Fruit and Vegetable Gardens. With a Treatise on Orange Trees, and Reflections on Agriculture). A manual written by Jean De la Quintinye, director of the Kings fruit and vegetable gardens. As indicated on the title page, this work is a new, revised, and corrected edition that includes an appendix on flower cultivation.

The first text is preceded by a neoclassical-style engraving and a Latin heading that refers to the author of the work. Next is a fold-out map showing the layout of the royal gardens, with a footnote legend describing all the numbered points. The following pages contain various chapters, each headed by beautiful engravings depicting scenes related to the respective topic. In addition to the magnificent full-page engravings included in both volumes, there is another fold-out page depicting different types of roots.

The pages of both volumes are in good condition, with only occasional signs of oxidation. As for the binding, it is original to the period and is well-preserved, especially considering the age of the work. The books are bound in brown leather, with a darker-toned spine divided by raised bands. Each spine compartment is decorated with plant-inspired motifs engraved in gold. In the upper spine compartments, we can see the abbreviated title of the work (JARDIN FRUITIER) and the volume number. The inside of the covers is lined with beautiful handmade marbled paper in shades of blue, orange, and red.

Given its relevance, interest, and excellent condition, this two-volume work is worthy of a place in the finest library of antique books.

Dimensions: Width: 19.5 cm. Height: 25.5 cm.