Commynes - Memoires - 1579

THE MIRROR OF POWER: LUIS XI AND CHARLES VIII IN THE LABYRINTH OF STATE REASON
This rare Paris edition of 1579 of Philippe de Commynes’ Mémoires represents one of the foundational texts of modern political historiography. The work of a courtier who lived from within the tensions between Burgundy and France, the book is much more than a chronicle: it is an implicit treatise on the nature of power, on the fragility of alliances, and on the psychology of sovereigns. Printed by Abel l’Angelier, a central figure of French humanist publishing, the edition keeps the text close to the originals, enriched by important erudite interventions from the sixteenth century, and it sits in that period when historical memory becomes a political instrument.
MARKET VALUE
In the European antiquarian market, sixteenth-century editions of Commynes’ Mémoires in in-16 format generally range from 500 to 800 euros depending on completeness, presence of the front free endpaper, and binding condition. Copies on vellum, complete and well preserved, can exceed 1,000 euros.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION
Binding in full slightly pliant parchment, somewhat loosened, manuscript title on the spine, traces of closing cords. Notes and pen drawings in the margins on some leaves and on the last leaf. Stains on the frontispiece, uniform and natural browning. In old books with a long history, some imperfections may be present, not always noted in the description. Pages: 6nn; 980; 32nn.

FULL TITLE AND AUTHOR
Les memoires sur les faits et gestes de Loys onziesme et de Charles huitiesme.
Paris, Abel l’Angelier, 1579.
Philippe de Commynes.

CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
Philippe de Commynes (1447–1511) was a counselor first to Charles the Bold and then to Louis XI, becoming one of the privileged witnesses to the transition from late medieval feudalism to the modern State. His Mémoires particularly cover the reigns of Louis XI and Charles VIII, offering a disenchanted and deeply political reading of the events.
The 1579 edition, while bearing the title “Mémoires” like the versions revised by Denis Sauvage, preserves the text of the original editions, i.e., the version established by Jean de Selve, with the additions of the “augmentations” by Jean Sleidan and the Summary of Angelo Catto’s life edited by Denis Sauvage. This editorial layering reflects the humanist and confessional climate of the 16th century, in which the historical text is updated and reinterpreted according to new political and religious sensibilities.
Commynes is often considered a precursor of Niccolò Machiavelli: he does not systematically theorize, but observes with lucidity how the court functions, diplomacy, betrayal, prudence, and the art of government. The Mémoires are thus a key document for understanding the birth of the “raison d’État” in Europe.

BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR
Philippe de Commynes was born in 1447 in the Flemish region and died in 1511. Trained in Burgundian circles, he entered the service of Charles the Bold, but in 1472 moved to the court of Louis XI of France, a choice that shaped his political and diplomatic career. He participated in delicate missions, international negotiations, and the management of internal tensions within the realm. After periods of misfortune and imprisonment, he gradually withdrew from public life, devoting himself to writing the Mémoires, which cemented his posthumous fame as one of the first great memoirists and political analysts of early modern Europe.

PRINTING HISTORY AND CIRCULATION
The first editions of the Mémoires appeared in the early sixteenth century, shortly after the author’s death, with significant diffusion in France and the Netherlands. During the sixteenth century the text underwent numerous reprintings, often revised and expanded by editors and humanists. The Paris edition of Abel l’Angelier from 1579 fits into this tradition of scholarly re-editions aimed at a readership of jurists, courtiers, and readers interested in contemporary political history. The in-16° format also signals a practical and portable use, not exclusively monumental, indicating an active readership beyond a ceremonial library.

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
Bibliotheca Belgica, C 179.
Cf. editions revised by Denis Sauvage; comparison with the original editions established by Jean de Selve and with the additions by Jean Sleidan.
Catalogues ICCU/OPAC SBN (Paris editions of Commynes, 16th century).
BnF, Catalogue général, entries “Commynes, Philippe de,” editions of 1579."