DIDEROT Denis La Religieuse.

Adams, II, pp. 374-377 ; Vérène de Diesbach, Cat. Jean Bonna (18th century), p. 72 ; Tchemerzine-Scheler, II, 969.

First edition of this celebrated novel published posthumously.

Completed in 1780 the work was written as a practical joke aimed at the Marquis de Croismare, a companion of Diderot's while in Paris. Originally containing a series of letters purporting to be from a nun, Suzanne, imploring the Marquis to help her renounce her vows, the author revised the text later. The new novel was now intended to draw attention to the 18th century current practice of forcing young women into convents to get them out of the way; and to the rampant corruption of the clergy and religious institutions.

Very good copy, despite a small stain on quires R-S.

Provenance: Hubert Heilbronn (book plate).