Bossuet - Continuation de l'Histoire universelle - 1704

The Continuation of the Universal History is an extension of the major work by Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet, the Discourse on the Universal History (published in 1681), often reissued or completed at the beginning of the 18th century (notably in 1704 - in Amsterdam, at the expense of Estienne Roger, 1704 - 275 pp, (6) ff - full calf of the period - in-12 - 10 x 17 cm).

State: Tips, bindings in good condition, 1 worn corner, hinges solid, spine with raised bands adorned with gold fleurons and the title piece, title printed in red and black, rare foxing, speckled edges. Complete. A fine copy.

The work is illustrated with an allegorical frontispiece and a vignette on the title.

Key elements of the work

• Main author of the original work: Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet, Bishop of Meaux (1627-1704).

• Author of the continuation: Often attributed to or continued by Jean de La Barre (1670-1711), who extends the historical narrative.

• Period covered by the continuation: Generally from year 800 (Charlemagne’s coronation) up to around the year 1700 inclusive.

• Philosophical and religious perspective: In the spirit of Bossuet, history is presented not as a sequence of accidents, but as the reflection of the designs of divine Providence and of the succession of empires.