Chinese Spy China Europe 1765 Goudar Casanova rare books 3 vol set

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L'Espion Chinois, ou L'Envoye Secret de la Cour de Pekin, Pour examiner l'etat present de l'Europe. Traduit Chinois, 1765, Cologne. [by A. Goudar 1720-1791 & J. Casanova]. [The Chinese Spy].

Rare mid-18th century set relating to China and Chinese culture in European  consciousness at the time. A political and social satire told with wit and a strong view point.

In the original publishers colored paper over wooden boards bindings, early (original?) paper spine title labels. Unsophisticated and nearly as issued.

Bindings worn, lightly soiled and rubbed with inevitable chipping and flecking to paper along the spines, joints, corners and extremities. However, each binding still structurally sound and tight, far nicer than typical for such fragile period book bindings.

Rare in any condition or binding, this set of historical interest for being complete and in such an rare early transitional/ temporary binding. Scarce, pleasing and unique set.

The author was a religious "adventurer" and intimate of Casanova (book contains eight letters written by Casanova).

Bibliographic Reference(s):
Western Books on China Published up to 1850, Lust. 1276, (describing it as a satire on European culture, the example he cited was incomplete, missing 3 of the 6 vols).

Cordier, Sinica, 643.

Barbier, II, 176.

Books measure: 7" H X 4 1/4" W.
Set along shelf measures: 3 3/4".

[V1220].