CELEBRATIONS. THE SACRE OF LOUIS XV, King of France and Navarre, in the Church of Reims, 25 October 1722. [Paris, 1723-1731]. Very large folio (625 x 460 m), blue morocco, 9-rib spine decorated, gilt edges (Bradel). BIG GILDED DECORATION on the boards, called A by Paul Culot (5 plates 14 impressions). A MAGNIFICENT WORK, ENTIRELY ENGRAVED. This is one of the finest French party books of the 18th century. The illustrations consist of a frontispiece, 9 large double plates depicting Louis XV in each of the ceremonies and 30 plates showing the king and the main participants in full regalia. The 32 leaves of engraved text are decorated with rich frames and 9 large vignettes at the head of each part of the ceremonial. A remarkable copy bound by Bradel between 1815 and 1825 with his signature in gilt at the foot of the spine. It contains 6 plates in heavy wove paper, 3 of which have a dry stamp "CALCOGRAPHIE DU LOUVRE" with the mention "Musées Nationaux". Today we know of 3 blue morocco bindings signed Bradel on this book - including this one: Charles X, who was about to be crowned in Reims in 1825, had very probably planned a distribution of present copies. Spotting on some of the plates in strong vellum. Small tear at the bottom margin of 3 leaves, one restored, all without any damage. Spine and first board lighter; restorations to spine ends and corners.