Recueil de Differentes Pieces de Vers Manuscript

A bound manuscript on paper containing a collection of French poetry, followed by a catalogue of the library of Dom François Baud, monk and professor of rhetoric at the military academy at Pontlevoy Abbey in central France. The volume likely belonged to Baud himself, who may have also composed the poetry. Several of the pieces are dated to the 1760s, providing a rough compilation date of c. 1770.

The poetry compiled here appears to have been composed for performance to mark important events in the life of the abbey or the school, or to flatter various dignitaries or benefactors. Several of the celebrants here are women, including Madame de Barneval, Abbess of Areisses, the Abbess of Chelles, Madame Hélène de Portebises, Abbess of Clairets, and the Princesse de Lamballe -- this latter possibly being Marie-Thérèse Louise of Savoy, a confidante of Marie Antoinette killed during the French Revolution. Also included are various verses for occasions such as "la distribution du prix" and "le jour d'an" (New Years Day).

The library catalog that follows the poetry compilation has 88 entries accounting for almost 300 volumes including classical and modern literature, works of history and geography, and several preaching manuals or sermon books.

The volume retains its original calfskin binding, now somewhat rubbed and showing wear to the edges and corners. Spine has decorative gilt stamping, and a red label with the title stamped in gold. Red edges. Pastedowns and flyleaves marbled in red, blue, and yellow. An unidentified partial bookplate is present on the front pastedown.

Extent: i + 88 + 3, quarto