The Black Gazette By A Man Who Is Not White, Theveneau De Morande 1784

First edition (1784) of this violent pamphlet, a real 18th century Satyricon, forming a very rare collection, printed in London and secretly distributed in France. Coming after the publication of the "Secret Anecdotes sur la Comtesse de Barry", 1776, he expresses the vexation of Morande to whom the King had refused a pension due to him for the destruction of the "Armored Gazetier". Beaumarchais was then in charge of the liaison with Morande in London. This fierce picture of morals under Louis XVI reveals the role played by the author as an agent of the secret police. He describes the elegant debauchery and the easy manners of a condemned society which hides its seeds of death under a dazzling varnish of grace and elegance (Gay, II, 396). Very rare book. In 8 °, half heartache. 292 pages.