[ROUSSEL, P.J.A]. Correspondance secrette de plusieurs grands personnages illustres, à la fin du XVIIIe siècle, ou Mémoires importants pour servir à l'histoire du temps. Published in Paris and London by Lerouge in 1802. In-8 format. Midnight blue half-basane, spine with false nerves framed in cold, gilt coat of arms surmounted by a crown with the motto "Monstrant Regibus Astra Viam" ("They show the way to kings by the stars") to the entrenerfs, titling and tomaison in gold lettering, marbled headband, combed paper endpapers and paste-downs. VIII then from 9 to 279 pages. Minor rubbing, light scuffing to boards, corners dulled. A few small brown spots. First edition. Published anonymously and often attributed to P.J.A. Roussel, this work consists of allegedly secret letters exchanged between high-level figures of the late 17th century (ministers, courtiers, diplomats), revealing political intrigues, love affairs, conspiracies and hidden aspects of diplomacy during the reign of Louis XIV. Charles Henneguier's heraldic bookplate stamped on the title. A pleasant copy of this work in the genre of "apocryphal memoirs" or "fictitious correspondences", a widespread genre in the 18th century.