Amsterdam. 1741. First Edition 2 vols in 1, 12mo, [-]4, A-P 8+4, [-]2, A-L8+4, [vi], 175, [3], 136 pp, hf-title and title to each part, contemporary mottled calf, spine fully gilt, edges stained red, tear in margin of L1 mended without loss, on front pastedown an unidentified armorial boookplate, an oval escutcheon showing a pelican in her piety supported by griffons, a sound copy.
Duclos, after a somewhat dissipated youth, began to cultivate the society of wits, especially those who frequented the Cafe Procope and the Cafe Gradot where he was soon able to hold his own in every conversation. In 1739 he became a member of the Academie des Inscriptions and in 1747 of the Academie francaise where he was appointed perpetual secretary. He produced several serious historical works as well as three ‘romances’. The “Confessions” which presents a list of his conquests has been described as ‘une suite de portraits’... the devout Madame de Gremonville, the precious Madame de Tonins, Madame de Persigny the dissipated, the capricious Madame d'Albi, the coquettish Madame de Lery and above all the charming Mme de Selve, who represents true love. It was a highly successful ‘roman a clef’, with many editions even into the 20th century.
Reference: Cioranescu[18me] 25931 Gay-Lemonnyer Vol. 1 col 660. CCFf BnF copy only COPAC Oxford only