Emblemes, ou devises chrestiennes. La Rochelle: Jean Dinet, 1620. a-z⁴ A-F⁴ (wanting blank b4 as often). [vii], 100, [8] ll. Woodcut device on title, 100 engraved emblems in text by Pierre Woeriot, most printed recto only. 4to (205 x 145 mm). Green jansenist levant by "Petit succr. de Simier." Extremities very slightly rubbed, else fine.

"The first book of Christian emblems printed in French," and the only emblem book written in any language by a woman (Larsen & Winn, Writings by Pre-Revolutionary French Women, p 125). Third issue, reusing the sheets of the 1567 Lyon first edition, and with the first gathering reset. A second issue appeared in Lyon in 1571. In addition, the copperplates were used for editions published in Zurich and Frankfurt in 1584 and 1619. The present copy, in common with some 1620 copies, has a modified version of emblem 18 pasted over the original.
Georgette de Montenay is one of a small number of 16th century French women poets, and was one of the entourage of the daughter of fellow poet Marguerite de Navarre. She is traditionally regarded as a bastion of Calvinism, and notable for her tenacity in publishing Protestant poetry in French during the Wars of Religion. Adams, Rawles & Saunders F437.
Provenance: bookplate of J. Gomez de la Cortina, Marques de Morante [1808-1868]; his sale, Bachelin-Deflorenne, Paris, 1872, lot 489; morocco book label of Robert Hoe [1839-1909]; his sale, Anderson Auction Company, New York, November 19, 1912, lot 2255, sold for $20. Hoe's copy of the 1584 Zurich edition is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
See illustration.