Commines, Philippe deBiblio.com
Philippe de COMMYNESBiblio.com
Les memoires de messire Philippe de Comines
168248605à La Haye The Hague: Ches Arnout Leers 1682. Fine. Ches Arnout Leers à La Haye The Hague 1682 9.50 x 16 cm relié New edition edited by Denys Godefroy the first of which appeared in 1649. It is illustrated with 3 portraits of Louis XI the Duke of Burgundy and Philippe de Commines as well as a folding plate. Full vellum binding from the mid-19th century. Smooth spine with blind title. Joint cracked at foot for 6 cm. A brown stain in the outer margin of leaves 435 to 445. An essential work that gave birth to modern history Commynes' work which also establishes a rule of political conduct for the Grandes of the kingdom forms the greatest source for this period. From 1472 to 1483 after having been advisor to the Duke of Burgundy Charles the Bold Commynes entered the service of Louis XI then Charles VIII and Louis XII. He distinguished himself through his diplomatic talents notably in Italy; consequently the Memoirs are also a history of Europe. We too often forget that his exemplary career experienced an interlude of disgrace: opposing young Charles VIII through his liberal ideas he rallied to the cause of the future Louis XII plot aimed at kidnapping Charles VIII. He was consequently arrested and imprisoned 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. Red sheep ex-libris of Jules Janin. A second ex-libris bearing a monogram on blue background P.B. Ches Arnout Leers hardcover
