VOLTAIRE. Œdipe, tragedy. Paris : Pierre Ribou, Pierre Huet, Jean Mazuel, Antoine-Urbain Coustelier, 1719. - In-8, 182 x 110 : (4 ff.), 131 pp. Red morocco, triple gilt fillet and gilt coat of arms in the center of the boards, spine decorated with nerves, inner gilt roulette, gilt edges on marbling (period binding). Rare first edition of Voltaire's first play, performed for the first time on the stage of the Comédie-Française on November 18, 1718. It was a real triumph. The author was then only 24 years old. Following the play are 6 Letters written by the author, which contain criticism of Sophocles' Oedipus, of Corneille's, & of his own. A COPY WITH THE ARMS OF FRANÇOIS VIII DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD (1663-1728), prince of Marcillac, 1st duke of La Roche-Guyon then 4th duke of La Rochefoucauld, peer of France, marshal of camp and grand veneur of France. A very well preserved copy despite a few small marginal black spots on the boards.