Almanach De Versailles Year 1774

Étrennes historiques et géographiques, ou Almanach de Versailles, pour l'année 1774.
Paris, chez Valade, rue Saint-Jacques ; Versailles, chez Blaizot, au Cabinet littéraire, rue Satory ; et chez les libraires de la ville.
Avec approbation et privilège du Roi.

Small in-16 volume bound in period full marbled calf, spine ribbed and decorated with gilt fleurons and fillets, boards framed with cold and gilt fillets, edges (probably speckled).

The work follows in the tradition of the Versailles almanacs of the 18th century, hybrid publications mixing calendar, urban description and administrative directory. In a compact form intended for everyday use, these volumes are veritable instruments for reading the workings of the administrative monarchy.

This copy, dated 1774, the year of the accession of Louis XVI, is of particular interest in that it reflects the state of the court and institutions at a pivotal moment in the reign. In particular, it contains:

• a detailed description of the town of Versailles,
• the organization of the House of the King and the royal family,
• civil, military and religious administrations,
• as well as information relating to officers, ministers and key players in public life.

There is also a fold-out map of Versailles, and another of the surrounding area ,an often-missing element, which notably enhances the interest of the copy. This type of plan is a precious testimony to urban topography and the spatial organization of power.

These almanacs can be considered true official directories of court society, where the hierarchy of offices and the structuring of the administrative body of the Ancien Régime can be read. Today, they are sought after as much for their documentary value as for their emblematic character of 18th-century print culture.