[HOLBACH (Paul Thiry, baron d')]. BOULANGER (Nicolas-Antoine). L'Antiquité dévoilée par ses usages, ou Examen critique des principales opinions, cérémonies et institutions religieuses et politiques des différens peuples de la Terre. Amsterdam, Marc-Michel Rey, 1766. In-4, red morocco, triple gilt fillet and fleurons at the corners, spine decorated, inner lace, gilt edges on marbling (period binding). Posthumous first edition in in-4 format of this work by Boulanger, entirely rewritten by Baron d'Holbach with the collaboration of Diderot, who wrote the Letter to the Editor placed in the introduction. Through a work of considerable erudition, "d'Holbach paints a picture of all the religions and beliefs of all peoples. This critical examination, as he calls it, highlights the importance of the Flood, its social, political, mythological and religious consequences in the formation of prehistoric societies and their vision of the world, as well as the fear of death and its afterlife as the driving force behind the emergence of religions, and the role of superstition, intolerance and political and religious despotism as factors in their perpetuation. The climate upheavals to come and the renewed arrogance of religions and fanaticism make L'Antiquité dévoilée (Antiquity Revealed) a highly topical subject". (Jean-Pierre Jackson). A very fine copy in contemporary red morocco, in rare condition. Without the errata page added after printing to some copies. Tchemerzine-Scheler, II, 946 and III, 715 - Vercruysse, 1766-F1.