Defoe, Daniel

First edition, first printing of the French translation of Robinson Crusoe.

• Daniel Defoe (English).
• Engraved frontispiece by Bernard Picart (French).
• Amsterdam: Chez L'Honoré & Chatelain, 1720.
• [2], xii, 629 pages.
• Five full-page copperplate engravings and one engraved folding map.
• With the incorrect catchword on page xii reading "les" instead of "la."
• Bound in full contemporary speckled calf, gilt borders, raised bands with marbled endpapers. 

Robinson Crusoe's reputation as one of the most famous books in the world began immediately after publication with the printing of French, German, and Dutch translations in 1720. This edition is prized not only as the earliest French translation, but also for its illustrations: it is the first edition to be illustrated with more than a frontispiece and maps. It contains 6 fine copperplate engravings, including a wonderful frontispiece portrait of Crusoe by the renowned engraver Bernard Picart, and the highly sought folding map by Hermann Moll (which didn't appear until the fourth edition in English). Two more volumes of the later parts of Robinson Crusoe followed the next year; this volume is complete in itself.

A beautiful example of a rare and important book.