32-BESENVAL (Pierre-Joseph-Victor de). Memoirs written by himself, printed on his original manuscript and published by his executor. Containing many particularities and anecdotes about the Court, the ministers and the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI, and the events of the time. Preceded by a notice on the author's life. Paris, Buisson, an XIII-1805, 4 vols. in-8, 4 pp, IV-XVI-374 pp, [4]-376 pp, [4]-439 pp and [4]-414 pp, portr. on front of T. I, shagreened calf, smooth spine decorated, gilt roulette framing the covers, lemon edges (contemporary binding). First edition. "Published by the viscount A.-J. de Ségur, his memoirs, disowned by his family, are a collection of anecdotes "often scandalous, the work of a fine mind who tells with fatuity" (Dict. de biographie française). They are, however, interesting for understanding the events of July 1789". The work contains notes on battles from the reign of Louis XV and anecdotes about certain figures from the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI. Only a few pages at the end of the last volume concern the beginnings of the Revolution in 1789. Rare complete fourth volume of Mélanges littéraires, historiques et politiques. A good copy. Small angular wetness on first leaf of volume 1. Some wear to corners.