Step into the salons of Enlightenment Paris with this 1754 Paris edition of Le Spectateur, ou Le Socrate Moderne, a French translation of Addison & Steele’s legendary Spectator essays. Originally published in London, The Spectator shaped 18th-century thought, blending wit, philosophy, and social commentary into a daily paper that guided an entire generation’s ideas on virtue, reason, and manners.
This volume, Tome VI, was printed in Paris by Leloup in 1754 and carries the approval and privilege of the King. Bound in mottled calf with ornate gilt spine work and red morocco label, it radiates the charm of mid-18th-century craftsmanship. Inside, the vibrant marbled endpapers reflect the artistry of its time, while the text brings to life Addison & Steele’s moral philosophy — reimagined for French readers seeking the wisdom of “the Modern Socrates.”
Details:
•Published: Paris, Chez Leloup, 1754
•Binding: Full calf, gilt spine, red title label, marbled endpapers
•Language: French translation of Addison & Steele
•Pages: Crisp, clean, with light toning appropriate for age
•Condition: Shelf wear and scuffing to leather, gilt still visible, binding solid.
Why it matters:
The Spectator was more than a newspaper — it was the coffeehouse companion of Europe’s thinkers, influencing everyone from Voltaire to the American Founding Fathers. Owning this volume is like holding a fragment of the Enlightenment in your hands.
💡 Perfect for collectors of Enlightenment philosophy, French literature, or those who want a true conversation piece from the heart of 18th-century Paris.