César de SAINT-RÉAL

New edition.
Contemporary glazed blonde calf binding, very close to the work of Derôme le jeune to whom it can be attributed. Smooth spine decorated with 5 small tools, roulette at foot. Black morocco title label. Triple fillet frame on covers with small corner tools. Fillet on edges and turn-ins. Gilt edges. Light rubbing. Very fine copy, quite fresh.
This history of the Spanish conspiracy against Venice was originally published in 1618, and had meanwhile become a great classic of historical literature. It thus joined the collection of works from Monsieur's printing house, all of which are distinguished by the quality and accuracy of their printing.

New edition. The first appears to have been published in 1724, in 4 volumes. 6 frontispieces but 2 repeated three times each; a portrait of the Duke of Noailles and of Jesus Christ in volume I, one figure for Cesarion in volume II, 3 figures in volume III, one figure in volume VI.
Contemporary full brown sheep binding. Spine with raised bands decorated with 4 fleurons, roulette at foot. Headcaps of volumes II, III, IV and V split; likewise for the tail caps of volumes I and II. Upper joint of volume II cracked at foot over 8 cm. Volume labels rubbed. Rubbing and corners slightly bumped.
Historian originally from Savoy who became its historiographer in the 17th century. While the author was particularly studious, he advocated in history a study of men and characters rather than merely facts, in accordance with the ancients. He took interest in all forms of historical writing and worked in each of them. His principal works are the historical novel Dom Carlos, Histoire de la conjuration des espagnols contre Venise en 1618, Césarion, De la navigation des Romains. The works also contain various treatises on history and philosophy, annotated translations and Les mémoires de la Duchesse de Mazarin, of whom he was the reader and friend, some say lover.

New edition conforming to the 1674 edition, one of the numbered copies, the only issue. Spine and boards marginally sunned, otherwise fine copy.