"If you wish to behold God, you may see Him in every object around; search in your breast, and you will find Him there. And if you do not yet perceive where He dwells, confute me, if you can, and say where He is not." -Pietro Metastasio
 
The works in these two beautiful little books titled "Tragédies - Opéra" are written by Pietro Metastasio, translated into french by M ... [Richelet] and were published in Vienna, 1751.
Here to buy are Volume 2 and 3.
Pietro Metastasio was an italian poet and librettist and one of the great musical writers of his time. Celebrated for his romantic soul and virtuous songs, Franz Schubert later adapted some of Metastasio's pieces and even Beethoven wrote a piece of music, based on one of Metastasio's operal pieces. The opera of the 18th century is currently object of a little renaissance, the music is rediscovered by many and object of a lively discussion.
The protagonists of Mestastasio's works often are troubled, but become the heroes of their story, by living and deciding based on values of the enlighted absolutism of the time. The two volumes you can buy here, were published during his lifetime (1698-1782).  Although he finished most of his work up to 1745 (because of the Seven Year's War, operas weren't performed as regularly anymore), his works were still translated (as here, to french) and reprinted afterwards.
The books are in a good condition, little loss of material on the edges and bumps and scratches on the sides, but beautifully made and still in their original leather cover, with gilt imprint titles and decorations.