Histoire du roy Henry Le Grand

First Elzevirian edition. with title-frontispiece. Epistle to Cardinal Mazarin. Brunet (Manuel du libraire): "The first edition of this esteemed history is that of Paris, Edme Martin, 1661, but it is not sought after, while this one [...]". There exists a counterfeit of this Elzevier edition, it is less well printed and contains only 514pp.

Full red morocco binding 19th century (ca 1860) signed Belz-Niedrée. Spine with raised bands richly decorated with ornate compartments framed by triple fillets, roll-tooled at foot. Covers with interlace decoration in frame and complex geometric figures. Rich inner border. Gilt edges. Very fresh copy, with a slight yellow dampstain to one corner on the last 10 leaves. Dry stamp on the last endpaper: From G. Gancia. rare books. Kings road bright. 19th century engraved bookplate of D. C. M. and the motto: Advance with courage. This refers to Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks (1820-1894), first Baron Tweedmouth.
Very handsome copy perfectly executed by Belz-Niedrée.