Guillaume Paradin - Cronique de Savoye - 1552

First edition

Guillaume Paradin
Chronicle of Savoy, by Master Guillaume Paradin Chamonye de Beauieu.
Lyon, Jean de Tournes & Guillaume Gazeau, 1552
Splendid exemplar of the Cronique de Savoie, a fundamental work by Guillaume Paradin (1516-1573), historian and canon of Beaujeu. This chronicle represents one of the most important sources on the history of Savoy in the 16th century, with political, social, and genealogical information of high historiographical value.
Printed in Lyon in 1552 by Jean de Tournes & Guillaume Gazeau, renowned printers of the French Renaissance. The presence of the privilège du Roi confirms the official authorization and the importance of the text at the time of publication.

A very rare work to find in the first edition of 1552.

pp. (34), 394
Copy belonging to the Library of Mr. Joseph Nouvellet, André de Corcy (Ain).
Missing plate; with a handwritten sheet authenticating its rarity.
Modern red leather binding with a gold-decorated spine, signed Auguste Petit, with gold titles on the spine. Perfectly preserved. The inner endpapers are embellished with handmade marbled papers, indicative of a high-quality binding made at a later date to preserve the volume's integrity.

Guillaume Paradin's Cronique de Savoie traces the history of Savoy from legendary origins to the 16th century. The author describes the succession of counts and dukes of Savoy, focusing on the most significant political and military events. Ample space is devoted to the genealogies of the Savoy dynasty and to the ties with the leading European noble families. The text recounts wars, alliances, marriages, and treaties that contributed to the formation of the Savoyard territory. Paradin integrates historical sources, earlier chronicles, and local traditions. The work also offers information on towns, castles, and institutions of the region. The narration reflects the Renaissance historical vision, combining erudition and a celebratory aim. The book represents a fundamental testimony of the political identity of Savoy. It is a primary source for the study of Alpine and French history of the period.