CHARNES (Jean-Antoine de). Conversations on the criticism of the Princess of Cleves. Paris : Claude Barbin, 1679. - In-12, 150 x 87 : (16 ff.), 364 pp. Red morocco, triple gilt fillet framing the boards, spine ornamented, gilt roulette inside, gilt edges (period binding). First edition. This work is the first by Jean-Antoine de Charnes (1641-1728), canon and man of letters, tutor of one of Louvois' sons. It is a real panegyric of the famous novel of Madame de La Fayette published in 1678, written in response to the criticism made on the same work by Jean Baptiste Henri de Trousset de Valincour (1653-1730), a close friend of Jean Racine, in his virulent Letters to Madame la Marquise *** on "La Princesse de Clèves" published in 1678 Valincour criticized the plausibility of the plot, the treatment of history and the style of the author, while he did not know who was the real author of the work . Charnes answered them through 4 conversations about the conduct, the feelings, the language and the style. A very nice copy in contemporary red morocco, very well preserved. Angular tear on folio B1, due to a paper defect, without affecting the text. A few light freckles without seriousness.