Antoine Boudet

The rare first edition, written directly in French during the author's stay in Possy. The first English translation did not appear until 1831. The set is complete with volume III, which bears the Amsterdam imprint, in the same typography, and contains the privilege, in Paris. The first 2 volumes were indeed printed in Paris and the third in Amsterdam in 1763. The edition is illustrated with 6 folding maps by Robert de Vaugondy, the first heightened in colors.
Contemporary full marbled brown sheep binding. Decorated spine with raised bands. Red morocco title and volume labels. Volume I: Upper joint of volume I split with lacks. Lower joint of volume I partly split, with lacks, extensive along the foot compartment. One corner worn bare and bumped. A lack at head and to two bands. The spine and lower board darker than the other volumes. Trace of pale dampstain on the last 3 leaves. Volume II: Headcap split off. 3 lacks along the lower joint. Scuffs to boards. 2 corners bumped. Volume III: A lack to upper joint at head. A lack at foot. Lacks of leather to 2 corners. Despite the defects mentioned, the set has a homogeneous appearance.
2 late 19th-century armorial bookplates: Library of Baron de Barenghien, with the motto Vis unita fortior.
The author was chaplain to the Irish troops serving under the French flag and was educated at the Irish college in Paris. Three distinct historical parts compose the work: Pagan Ireland, from "the establishment of the Scoto-Milesians in Ireland until the fifth century", Christian Ireland divided into two periods: from the 5th century until the arrival of the English at the end of the 12th, then from the 13th century until the death of Queen Elizabeth, and finally the Summary of the History of the four Stuarts, on the British throne, from the accession to the throne of James VI, King of Scotland, until the end of the 17th century.