[MAROLLES (Michel de)]. Catalogue de livres d'estampes et des figures en taille douce. Avec un dénombrement des pieces qui y sont contenuës. Paris, Frédéric Léonard, 1666. In-8, limp vellum (contemporary binding). First edition of the catalogue of the first print collection formed by the abbé de Marolles: "the first print collection on the grand scale" (Taylor). Michel de Marolles (1600-1681) began acquiring prints in 1626, and from 1644 his collecting activities ruled his life. He bought several important collections en bloc, including those of Delorme, Maugis, Kerver, Petau, La Reynie and others. "He] was among the first of the private collectors in history to sacrifice his life and fortune to his passion. He may truly be called the 'Father of Print Collecting'" (Taylor). His first collection consisted of 123,400 items by more than 6,000 printmakers, divided into 400 large volumes and 141 small volumes. In 1667, it was acquired by Colbert on behalf of the king for 28,000 livres. This collection, the largest and most beautiful ever assembled, now forms the basis of the BnF's Prints Department. A very pure copy in its first binding. Cicognara, n°4400 - F. H. Taylor, The Taste of Angels, 1948, p. 349.