8vo. vii, [1], 303pp, [3]. With a half-title. Contemporary speckled calf, ruled in gilt and blind, contrasting red morocco lettering-piece. Rubbed, spine sunned.

An early nineteenth century French translation of the celebrated sentimental blank verse poem by Scottish poet and playwright James Thomson (1700-1748). The Seasons were first printed separately, beginning with 'Winter' in 1726, with the complete cycle of four first published collectively in 1730. Between 1754 and 1818 Thomson's poem was translated into French four times in full and more often in part. The majority of French translators turned Thomson's verse into prose, as here, with the intention of making The Seasons as accessible as possible to French readers. Once its status as an English classic had been established, The Seasons was increasingly used as a tool of instruction to acquaint readers with British culture.

OCLC records copies of this 1806 edition at four locations (Angers, BNF, Sainte-Geneviève, and NLS). COPAC adds no further.