Pierre Mervault - Le Journal des Choses les plus mémorables qui se sont passées au dernier siège de La Rochelle - 1671

Rouen, Jacques Lucas. Volume in 12 (94x157 mm). Two volumes in one, of 705 pages with the preface, the warning and the king’s privilege. Contemporary full calf binding, spine with four raised bands, morocco compartments ornately decorated. Front board rubbed with some skin flaws. Head and foot missing as well as part of the first compartment. Wear on the corners, rubbed. Red speckled edges. Interior fresh, though a few scattered foxing spots may be noted. A rare copy of this largely original edition. The author having redone his 1644 first text in this revised, corrected edition, augmented with testimonies and where he took account of certain criticisms. He added a catalog of the mayors of La Rochelle. Pierre Mervault was a La Rochelle merchant who served as a soldier during this famous siege. He expanded his testimony with that of his father, artillery master of the town, and that of Pastor Philippe Vincent, a negotiator, who travelled to London and kept a diary as well. A rare and sought-after copy.