P. C. F. Menestrier - La nouvelle methode raisonnée du blason - 1696

Claude-François Menestrier (S.J.)
The New Reasoned Method of Heraldry
To learn it easily, break it down into lessons through questions and answers.

Lyon, Thomas Amaulry, 1696
First edition – Editio princeps – With the privilege of the king

Description:
Very rare copy of this influential work by the greatest heraldic expert of the 17th century. A catechism-style guide that made the science of heraldry accessible to a broad audience.
Complete: frontispiece, title page, all lessons, alphabetical dictionary, table of contents, and all engraved plates present (including the classic diagram with the 9 points of the shield, plates with secular and ecclesiastical coats of arms).

Format: (approx. 17 × 10 cm).
Binding: Original contemporary calf leather binding (full vintage calf), spine with 5 raised bands, hand-marbled endpapers in a colorful pattern. Authentic patina of more than 329 years.

Condition: Used copy with foxing (age spots), wear to the binding and corners. Some pages repaired with transparent tape (amateur repair, can be professionally improved or removed). Nevertheless, complete and original – no missing parts.

A true museum piece from the time of Louis XIV, ideal for collectors of heraldry, old prints, Jesuit works, or French 17th-century books. Copies of this first edition are almost never available on the market.