[FIRST EDITION] Charles Bernard - Histoire du Roy Louis...

DESCRIPTION: I present at auction a truly regal and imposing specimen of French Baroque historiography: the First Edition (Editio Princeps) of the "Histoire du Roy Louys XIII," written by Charles Bernard, Counsel to the King, Regular Reader of his Chamber and Official Historian of France. Printed in Paris in 1646 by the renowned bookseller Augustin Courbé (au Palais, in the Galerie des Merciers), this large In-Folio volume is the official chronicle drafted under the shadow of King Louis XIII "the Just," father of the Sun King (Louis XIV), and under the influence of the influential Cardinal Richelieu. A BAROQUE BINDING OF EXTRAORDINARY BEAUTY: The feature that makes this piece an absolute desideratum for high-end collectors is its impressive period binding in full calfskin (Plein Veau Marbré), preserved in an extraordinarily mint state and incredibly firm: + Gala Spine Richly Gilded: A superb seventeenth-century gilding job with six raised bands delimiting richly inlaid compartments filled with filigrees, Baroque vegetal motifs, laces, and intricate gold-tooled interlacing. + Original Impressed Headband: Preserves its contrasting leather headband with the title stamped in gold letters (HISTOIRE DE LOUIS XIII). + Noble Ex-Libris and Illustrious Provenance: The inside back cover bears the magnificent engraved Ex-Libris of the library of Nordkirchen Palace (Nordkirchen), renowned for its premier aristocratic library, accompanied by ancient manuscript shelf notes (Lit. C. d. N. 17) and period signatures on the cover (Sermi Principis Ernesti Hassia...). GRAPHIC PROGRAM: MONUMENTAL PORTRAITS ENGRAVED IN COPPER This copy features a rich typographic and iconographic program headed by two imposing full-page copper plate portraits by the era’s leading intaglio masters: + Magnificent Royal Portrait of Louis XIII of France and Navarre: A stunning full-page copper engraving showing the monarch adorned in gala armor, ruffled lace collar, the order of the Holy Spirit insignia, and the draped royal mantle, with the fleur-de-lis and Navarre shield in the background. A sovereign image of grand definition and power. + Monumental Portrait of the Historian Charles Bernard: Large oval-framed engraving with architectural surround depicting Mr. Charles Bernard, Reader of the Chambre de Sa Majesté & Historian of France. + Two-Color Title Page and Woodcut Ornaments: Two-color typographic title page (red and black) with a large central copper vignette engraved by Daret, along with spectacular headers of fruit bands, allegorical animals, and historiated initial letters (such as the famous owl of wisdom or fortress motifs). RELIGIOUS WARS, REGICIDES, COURTLY PLOTS, AND THE POWER OF CARDINAL RICHELIEU: The contents of this volume are a treasure trove of commercial historical narrative, court intrigues, and political violence that shaped France’s destiny. Some topics included: + The Regicide of Henry IV and the Punishment of Ravaillac: The work details the grim moments after Henry IV’s assassination, the regency of Marie de’ Medici, and the brutal punishment meted out to the regicide François Ravaillac by order of the Parliament of Paris. + Persecution of the Killers of Kings and the Doctrine of Theology: Analysis of the theological decree condemning the "detestable doctrine of the assassins of kings" (Doctrine detestable des assassins des Roys). + The War Against the Huguenots and the Siege of La Rochelle: Louis XIII’s military campaigns to crush Protestant rebellions in La Rochelle, Sancerre, Saint-Jean d’Angély, and the Languedoc, detailing capitulations, city disarmament, and blood pacts. + Intrigues of Cardinal Richelieu: Diplomatic maneuvers, secret conferences with the House of Savoy, campaigns in Italy, movements of the Prince of Condé, and succession disputes at European courts. MONUMENTAL AND EXTRAORDINARY CHRONICLE OF THE REIGN OF LOUIS XIII (PARIS, 1646) — COMPLETE FIRST EDITION IN A SPLENDID LARGE FOLIO IN PASTED CALF WITH EXQUISITE BAROQUE BINDING IN FULL CALF WITH FIERY GILDING. DO NOT LET IT ESCAPE. PUBLICATION YEAR: Paris (France) 1646. 1st Edition LANGUAGE: French (Original Version) SIZE AND PAGES: Dimensions: 38 x 26 cm. Pagination: [2] + Title Page + Portrait of Charles Bernard + [18] + Portrait of Louis XIII + 504 + 477 + [1] + 59 + [3] pp. COMPLETE WORK WITH TWO VALUABLE PORTRAITS OF LOUIS XIII AND CHARLES BERNARD CONDITION: Original full-leather binding, in good preserved condition, with some wear as shown in photos. Six-nerved spine decorated with beautiful vegetal-inspired motifs. Interior generally well preserved, with some occasional rust spots as shown in photos. RARE AND HIGHLY COVETED FIRST ENGLISH EDITION. DO NOT LET IT ESCAPE. SHIPPING POLICY: Shipping costs are grouped to save you money. Economical shipping with major carriers: Spain --> shipped via: CTT Express 24h or CORREOS Europe --> shipped via: UPS Express 48-72h / FedEx Express 48-72h (Some countries may have longer transit times) United States --> shipped via: UPS Express 48h / FedEx Express 48h (We have been informed by our customers that these companies are less strict or do not apply the new 15% import tax) China --> shipped via: UPS Express 24h Rest of the World --> shipped via: UPS Express 48h / FedEx Express 48h *Books will be carefully packaged to travel comfortably to their new home.

Estimate:£670.07

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