1650s Handwritten Book Describing the Reign of Louis XIII of France
2034Mid-17th-century manuscript book titled "Suitte du memorial on recueil de l'histoire de France, Louis treizeime." It is an epic 750+ page handwritten history of the reign of Louis XIII from the condemnation of his father's assassination in 1610 to his own death in 1643.
The work, written in what is likely a 16th Century French monastic or ecclesiastical style hand, was created after the death of Louis XIII and in its writing shows the foundations laid for a clear path to domination of France by Louis XIV. The book appears to be an unpublished final manuscript prepared for publication, as there are corrections and marginalia notes.
The front pastedown boasts a contemporary Parisian ownership inscription to the top left and then centered below is the bookplate of John Smith Budgen Esq. The 23 x 16 cm. book has 377 hand numbered leaves with writing on both sides of the leaf for over 750 pages. The book is covered in 17th Century French calf and gilt, is rubbed and worn including hinges, stamped spine "Histoire de France" in gilt, six compartments. Overall VG.
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