Paris: Gabriel-Francois Quillau, 1727. [2], 204, [16] pages. Illustrated with 9 etched plates by Caylus, of which two are folding; folding genealogical table; one engraving in the Errata. Bound in contemporary full calf gilt; red label to spine. First edition. Tear in blank margin of genealogical plate; binding repaired at spine; bookplate; else a very good copy. Necker 1377 : ‘First published in 1727 Les Chats is one of the earliest books written exclusively about cats. Because of the fame of its author and the ridicule with which it was received (due to its subject matter) the book was immediately popular and is often erroneously considered the “first cat book.” Other early cat books are lost in obscurity but Les Chats has become a classic in its field.’