Porn for 18th-century addicts.

La France au Temps des Libertins- This is probably the most gorgeous book i've ever seen. I got it a couple of years ago after seeing it in the window of an interior decorator's shop. A splendid book bursting with beautiful, inspiring imagery; a coffeetable-book entirely dedicated to the pleasures of the 18th century. Here we see beautifully set tables, salons, grottos, lush parks and landscapes; works of art by Boucher, Lawreince, Lancret among others, beautiful objects and artefacts. It's written by Jacqueline Queneau and Jean-Yves Patte with photographs by Alexandre Bailhache and styling by Caroline Lebeau - who also was culinary stylist in the magnificent film "Vatel" by Roland Joffé from 2000. It came out in 2001 at the french publisher of so many pretty books: Éditions du Chêne, i can't believe it was out for more than five years before i found out about it! -It also has a little surpise "carnet secret" in the back with some actual 18th-century porn.