(1706). FEUILLET (Raoul Auger). RECUEIL DE CONTREDANCES MISE - Lot 26

(1706). FEUILLET (Raoul Auger). RECUEIL DE CONTREDANCES MISES EN CHOREGRAPHIE d'une manière si aisée, que toutes personnes peuvent facilement les apprendre sans le secours d'aucun maître... Paris, chez l'auteur, rue de Bussi, 1706. In-12, [32]-192 pages, granite calf, gilt arms on boards, ornate ribbed spine (period binding). PARTICULARLY RARE ORIGINAL EDITION of the first manual printed in France describing English contredanses. Dedicated to Her Serene Highness the Duchess of Maine, who particularly enjoyed dancing at Versailles, very few copies are known to exist. These dances, including ten by Feuillet himself, are preceded by an interesting 28-page preface containing precise instructions and examples of choreography, as well as detailed notes on hand and foot positions. They are illustrated as a series of drawings for four couples (a column of men facing a column of women). The dance music is printed at the top of the page, and the steps are indicated according to the structure of the music. Corners slightly dulled, caps missing, otherwise a good copy. Ex-libris Armand de Troisbrioux (1774-1843). COPY WITH THE ROYAL COAT OF ARMS. (O.HR. 2404, iron no. 10, 55 x 43 mm, with small variant).