THE MEMOIRS OF PHILIP DE COMMINES, LORD OF ARGENTON: containing the Histories of Louis XI, and Charles VIII, Kings of France and of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. To which is added, the Scandalous Chronicle, or Secret History of Louis XI., by Jean de Troyes.
London: Henry G. Bohn, 1855-1856. Hardcover. A primary source for 15th century European history. Philippe de Commynes (c.1447-1511) was a diplomat in the courts of Burgundy and France, and chronicler whose memoirs established him as "the first truly modern writer" (Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve) and "the first critical and philosophical historian since classical times" (Oxford Companion to English Literature). Henry Bohn's French Memoirs series. Small octavo, two volumes: xlvii, [1, blank], 399, [1], 32 [ads] pp. + vii, [1, blank], 444 pp. Each volume features a portrait frontispiece, steel engravings by Hinchliff after Soutman, as well as 7 pp. [including endpapers] publisher's ads at the front and rear. In the publisher's blue fine diaper cloth bindings, with blind-stamped floral ornamental borders, ruled frame, floral ornamental spandrels, and central lobed device with floral ornaments, interlocked strapwork, and titling on the front and rear panels; and a blind-stamped floral ornamental field framing panels with gilt-stamped titling on the spines. Period bookplate of the East Windsor Library on each front pastedown. An exquisite set, uncommonly fresh and bright. Provenance: from the Publishers' Bookbindings collection of Ellen K. Morris and Edward S. Levin. Near fine. Item #80351
Price: $150.00