Daniel - Milice Françoise - 1728

THE WAR MACHINE: FRANCE OF LOUIS XIV SEEN FROM THE BATTLEFIELD
This imposing two-volume work, published in the 18th century and dedicated to the history of the French militia, represents one of the most systematic reconstructions of the military organization of France from the age of origins to the reign of Louis XIV. Written by the Jesuit Gabriel Daniel, official historian of the Sun King, the work combines erudite rigor, encyclopedic ambition, and political function, offering a vision of war as a tool of order and state power. The numerous copperplate illustrations enrich the text with an extraordinarily effective visual dimension, turning the volume into a true technical and iconographic repertoire of military art between ancient and modern.
MARKET VALUE
Illustrated editions of Histoire de la milice françoise with complete plates generally fetch between 1,500 and 2,000 euros. Complete copies of the 70 engraved plates, in contemporary bindings and in good condition, can reach or exceed the indicated figures.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION
Two volumes, contemporary full morocco, spines ribbed with gold decorations, red edges; signs of use. 70 copper-engraved plates depicting ancient and modern weapons, battle plans, fortifications, military instruments, costumes and insignia. Internally there are some foxing and browning, reinforcements to pages 333–360 of the first volume, title page of the second volume restored with the addition of the fleur-de-lis. Contemporary manuscript provenance: Siouville “aîné.” In old books with a history spanning centuries, some imperfections may be present, not always noted in the description. Pages: (4); 6nn; 38; 626; (6). (4); 20; 770; 2nn; (4).

FULL TITLE AND AUTHOR
Histoire de la milice françoise, et des changemens qui s’y sont faits depuis l’établissement de la monarchie françoise dans les Gaules, jusqu’à la fin du règne de Louis Le Grand.
Paris, Chez La Veuve Saugrain & Pierre Prault; Cailleau; Bordelet, 1728.
Gabriel Daniel.

CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
The work sits within the context of building the military memory of modern France. Daniel, as official historian of Louis XIV, does not merely describe the evolution of military institutions; he offers a celebratory and systematic reading, functional to the legitimization of monarchical power. Of particular relevance is the breadth of topics treated: training of troops, organization of legions, development of infantry and cavalry, attack and defense techniques, military hierarchies and the symbolism of banners. The 70 copperplate engravings constitute a highly valuable iconographic corpus, documenting not only the technical evolution of weapons and fortifications but also the visual imagination of war in the 17th and 18th centuries. The work thus stands as a bridge between historical erudition and military manual.

BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR
Gabriel Daniel (1649–1728), a French Jesuit, was one of the principal official historians of Louis XIV’s monarchy. Author of numerous historical works, including a famous Histoire de France, he distinguished himself for his systematic approach and for his aim to integrate historical narration with a didactic and political function. His production reflects the cultural climate of France’s Grand Siècle, marked by centralization of knowledge and ideological control of history.

PRINTING HISTORY AND CIRCULATION
First published in 1721, the work enjoyed wide diffusion among European military and academic circles. Subsequent editions and reprints testify to the continuing interest in French military history and in the figure of Louis XIV as a model of a warrior-sovereign.
The presence of detailed copperplate engravings contributed to the publishing success of the work, making it a reference instrument for scholars, officers, and collectors.

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
Colas, Bibliographie générale du costume et de la mode, no. 796.
DBS, vol. II, col. 1812, no. 32 (other editions).
ICCU/OPAC SBN, records relating to the editions of Histoire de la milice françoise.
Catalogue of the Bibliothèque nationale de France, Gabriel Daniel entries.