Le Diable Boiteux (2 volumes in one)
By Alain-René Le Sage
Published by Chez C. Nourse: London 1785
"Alain-René Le Sage's Le Diable Boiteux ("The Lame Devil") is one of the most celebrated satirical novels of eighteenth-century French literature. First published in 1707 and inspired partly by earlier Spanish works, the book follows the adventures of Don Cleofas, a young student who releases a mischievous demon known as Asmodeus. In gratitude, the demon carries Cleofas across the rooftops of Madrid, lifting the roofs of houses to reveal the hidden lives, hypocrisies, and secrets of society.
Through this imaginative device, Le Sage constructs a vivid panorama of human behaviour, exposing the follies, ambitions, scandals, and private intrigues of aristocrats, clergy, merchants, and lovers alike. The narrative blends humour, social satire, and moral reflection, presenting a lively portrait of early modern urban life while offering sharp commentary on vanity, corruption, and the contradictions of human nature.
Long admired for its wit and inventive storytelling, Le Diable Boiteux became a widely read work across Europe and influenced later satirical and picaresque literature. This 1785 London edition, printed in French and illustrated with engraved plates, reflects the continuing popularity of the work in the late eighteenth century and stands as an engaging example of Enlightenment-era literature. It would appeal to collectors of early French literature, illustrated eighteenth-century books, and readers interested in classic European satire."
