Le Comte, Louis

FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes, 12mo (161 x 92mm.), engraved portrait of the Chinese emperor Cam-Hy, 20 engraved plates (2 folding), folding letterpress table, CONTEMPORARY RED MOROCCO GILT, spines gilt in compartments, gilt and marbled edges, spines neatly repaired at head and foot

Frederic and Anne Max, morocco book labels

Cordier, Sinica 39; Löwendahl 214; Western Travellers in China 30

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Le Comte (1655-1728), a Parisian Jesuit, spent the years 1689-1692 in China. This is a compilation of letters addressed to various French notables, which proved very popular and was reprinted regularly over the next few years. There is a description of the observatory in Beijing and the scientific instruments used there by Verbiest.

Both this work and Le Gobien's Histoire de l'edit of 1698 (see lot 82) were involved in the Rites Controversy about Chinese converts to Christianity retaining their devotion to Confucius and their dead. The Sorbonne decreed that both works should be censored for their erroneous views in favour of the Jesuit accommodation towards Chinese customs.