BERNARDIN DE SAINT-PIERRE (Jacques-Henri). Paul et Virginie. Paris, Pierre Didot l'aîné, 1806. In-4, bradel buff cardboard, untrimmed (Period binding). A superb edition of Bernardin de Saint-Pierre's masterpiece, the last to appear in his lifetime and revised by himself. It contains the definitive text of the work, as well as an important 92-page preface. It is illustrated with a portrait of the author by Louis Lafitte and six out-of-text figures drawn by Gérard, Girodet, Lafitte, Isabey, Prud'hon and Moreau, engraved on copper by Ribault, Bourgeois de la Richardière, Mecou, Prot, Roger, Bovinet and Tillement. "The figures are very beautiful. The touching composition by Moreau and especially the dramatic figure of the Naufrage de Virginie by Prud'hon make this volume very interesting" (Cohen). A very fresh copy on wove paper, untrimmed, including the portrait with the sphere and the six figures in proofs before the letter, signed in point. The rare subscription leaflet with the notice to the bookbinder is included. Slight loss at the upper cover, small marginal tear at the figure of the Shipwreck. Cohen, 933 - Ray, 126-127 - Tchemerzine, V, 648-650 - Jammes: Les Didot, n°98.