First edition of a beautifully illustrated and well produced work on education, offered by Étienne de Lafargue (1728-1795), a famous French author and member of various Academies of Sciences, Literature and Arts, to the young son of a high aristocrat. It praises the work of a teacher as well as parental education, while at the same time presenting sound instruction, wise lessons and advice to youth. First an extensive verse comprising four songs touches upon the duties of fathers, teachers, pupils and the advantage of education, using examples taken from history, mythology, classical authors, etc. Next wise lessons are presented in the form of fables, thirteen in total. And finally "Pieces Fugitives" teach elegant conversation and letter writing, including a dialogue between a ten and an eleven year old, all rendered in verse.
In fine condition. Cioranescu 35596; Cohen & De Ricci 545.