M. Desormeaux - Histoire de la Maison de Bourbon - 1772

Nicolas Desormeaux – Histoire de la Maison de Bourbon – 1772–1786

Magnificent illustrated 18th-century royal history – Four volumes – Imprimerie Royale, Paris – 10 engraved portraits – Allegorical frontispiece – Large folding genealogical chart – Richly gilt contemporary leather bindings

An impressive and beautifully preserved four-volume set of Histoire de la Maison de Bourbon, written by Nicolas Desormeaux, official historiographer of the House of Bourbon and librarian to the Prince de Condé.

Published in Paris by the prestigious Imprimerie Royale between 1772 and 1786, during the final decades of the French monarchy before the French Revolution.

This monumental historical work traces the origins, genealogy, political influence and dynastic history of the House of Bourbon, one of Europe's most influential royal families.

Bibliographical details

Author: Nicolas Desormeaux
Title: Histoire de la Maison de Bourbon
Publisher: Imprimerie Royale, Paris
Publication: 1772–1786
Language: French
Volumes: Four (volumes I–IV of the five-volume work)
Format: Approx. 26 × 20 cm

- Volume I – 1772 – 556 pages
- Volume II – 1776 – 662 pages
- Volume III – 1782 – 675 pages
- Volume IV – 1786 – 586 pages

All four volumes are textually complete.

Magnificent engravings and illustrations

The work is richly illustrated with exceptionally fine 18th-century copper engravings.

The present set includes:

- 10 finely engraved historical portraits of members of the French royal dynasty.
- One magnificent full-page allegorical frontispiece, after François Boucher.
- One exceptionally large folding genealogical chart, depicting the Bourbon branch of the French royal family, preserved in excellent condition.
- 17 smaller engraved illustrations, approximately half-page in size.
- Numerous decorative engraved elements, including elaborate title-page vignettes.

The portraits are distributed as follows:

- Volume II: 1 portrait
- Volume III: 5 portraits
- Volume IV: 4 portraits

The number and distribution of the separately engraved portraits correspond to the bibliographical description of these four volumes.

The illustrations are distinguished by their remarkable artistic quality, delicate engraving and elaborate ornamental compositions.

Beautiful contemporary bindings

All four volumes are bound in attractive, matching 18th-century full leather bindings.

The spines are richly decorated with gilt floral ornaments, raised bands, gilt titles and numbered labels.

The bindings form a particularly harmonious and decorative set, displaying the elegance and craftsmanship characteristic of fine French bookbinding of the period.

Condition

Very good antiquarian condition.

The four bindings remain attractive and well preserved, with some expected rubbing, minor surface wear and signs of age.

The richly gilt spine decoration remains particularly beautiful.

The interiors are remarkably clean and fresh for books approximately 250 years old, with only occasional minor spotting and age-related marks.

The engraved portraits and illustrations show excellent detail.

The impressive folding genealogical chart is preserved in excellent condition.

All four volumes have been checked and are textually complete. The principal separately engraved plates expected in volumes I–IV are present.

Historical significance

Published under the French monarchy, shortly before the French Revolution, this prestigious work offers a fascinating contemporary perspective on the history and legitimacy of the Bourbon dynasty.

The publication by the Royal Printing House, the outstanding copper engravings, the monumental genealogical chart and the richly decorated bindings make this an especially attractive set for collectors of French history, royal genealogy and illustrated 18th-century books.

A beautifully preserved and highly decorative four-volume royal history, with magnificent engravings and an exceptional folding genealogical chart.