VOLTAIRE, FRANÇOIS MARIE AROUET (1694–1778) History of the Russian Empire under Peter the Great by the author of the History of Charles XII. Vol. 1. [No place], 1761. XLVIII, 379 pp.; 17 x 10.5 cm. In French. Contemporary full leather binding. Spine and edges decorated with gilt metal tools. Good condition. Wear to the binding; leather missing at the edges of the spine and upper board; spine partially detached from the book block; slight soiling and water stains on the endpapers and the first few leaves; foxing. The ‘History of the Russian Empire under Peter the Great’ was commissioned from the Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire by the emperor’s daughter, Elizabeth Petrovna, through her favourite, I.I. Shuvalov. The writing took seven years, from 1756 to 1763. Voltaire consulted closely with representatives of the patron to avoid controversial issues. The first volume appeared in 1759 but was not accepted in Russia. Voltaire was offered the chance to buy back the print run to prevent its circulation, but he declined. The second volume did not appear until 1763; in the meantime, Voltaire published several revised editions of the first volume. The first Russian edition of this work did not appear until 1809 and remains the only translation to this day. At the buyer’s request, we shall be happy to provide a general report on the condition of the lot described above. However, as we are not professional conservators or restorers, we strongly advise potential buyers to carry out their own inspection or to consult a specialist of their choice to obtain a comprehensive assessment of the lot’s condition. Descriptions of items provided in the catalogue or by correspondence are for information purposes only and should not be regarded as a definitive assessment. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSION REGARDING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD ‘AS IS’, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE PUBLISHED IN THE CATALOGUE.