East India Company - Lot 557

East India Company [GENNES (Pierre de) - [DUPLEIX (Joseph-François)]] Mémoire pour le Sieur Dupleix contre la Compagnie des Indes avec les pièces justificatives. Paris, Le Prieur, 1759. In-4: 294pp. - 124pp. Copy with large margins. Contemporary fawn shagreened basane, ornate smooth spine, missing leather on covers and spines, torn cappings, gilt roulette on edges, yellow edges speckled with red. First edition of this first-rate collection written to support the legal action taken by Dupleix (1697-1763) against the Compagnie des Indes. Dupleix had been appointed Governor of Pondicherry and Commander General of the French establishments in India. Ambitious and efficient, he acquired vast territories on behalf of France. To appease the English, he was recalled to France after brilliant service, and sued the Company to recover the money he had advanced. He died ruined in 1763. Enclosed: BIONNE (Henri): Dupleix. Paris, Dreyfous, 1881. 2 large volumes in-8; illustrated with facsimile of a frontispiece portrait, plans and autographs. Occasional foxing. Contemporary red ½-cornered chagrin, gilt title and tomaisons on spines; gilt heads. A good copy.