Memoires de Philippe de Comines

New edition produced by Denys Godefroy, the first dating from 1649. One folding genealogical table and 6 portraits re-engraved by Audran. Title pages in red and black. Volume III bears a specific title: Divers traittez, contracts, testamens, et autres actes et observations [...]. Volume IV: Supplement aux memoires.
Bindings in full speckled brown sheep. Spine with raised bands, decorated. Fawn morocco title labels. Gilt volume numbering. Lacks at head of volume I. One wormhole at foot of volume IV. 4 corners very bumped. Bindings rubbed and worn.
An essential work engendering modern history, Commynes' work, which moreover establishes a rule of political conduct for the Great ones of the kingdom, forms the greatest source for this period. From 1472 to 1483, after having been counselor to the Duke of Burgundy (Charles the Bold), Commynes entered the service of Louis XI, then of Charles VIII and Louis XII. He distinguished himself there through his diplomatic talents, notably in Italy; consequently, the Memoirs are also a history of Europe. Too often forgotten is that his exemplary career experienced an interlude of disgrace: opposing the young Charles VIII through his liberal ideas, he rallied to the cause of the future Louis XII (plot aimed at abducting Charles VIII). He was consequently arrested and locked in an iron cage at Loches for five months, in 1488.
To this day, the work still being studied, Commynes' Memoirs have never failed in success and interest. Denys Godefroy's critical edition replaced the one that had served as reference until then, Savage's version. This edition contains La chronique scandaleuse, the proofs and observations, Addition à l'histoire de Louis XI by Charles Naudé, Le cabinet du roi Louis XI by Tristan L'Hermite, L'éloge du roi Charles VIII by Brantôme, Comparaison du règne du roi Louis XII à celui du roi Louis XI by Claude de Seissel, Chronicles of the Dukes of Burgundy, Remarks on the history of King Louis XI by Varillas.