70 volumes, 8vo (207 x 137 mm). Half-titles; engraved frontispiece in vol. I, engraved plates after Moreau. Contemporary French mottled calf, smooth spines gilt, tan and green morocco lettering-pieces gilt (some rubbing or light wear, a few repairs to spine ends). 

THE BEST COLLECTED EDITION OF VOLTAIRE'S WORKS.  Shortly after Voltaire's death, Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais sought to publish Voltaire's complete works, many of which were banned.  In February 1779, he acquired the rights to Voltaire's manuscripts from publisher Charles-Joseph Panckoucke, and he set up a printing press in Germany to evade French censors.  He acquired the type foundry of John Baskerville from Baskerville's widow.  The venture was a commercial failure, but Beaumarchais is credited with preserving many of Voltaire's works.