Jean de Serres - Inventaire général de l'histoire de France depuis Pharamond - 1620

SERRES (Jean de). General Inventory of the history of France, from Pharamond to the present. Illustrated by the conference of the Church & of the Empire. By Jean de Serres. Augmented up to the present since the last impression. In Paris, at Guillaume Loyson, in the gallery of prisoners near the Chancery, 1620. With the King’s privilege.

Large folio volume of 1246 pp. and the index; 22 x 37 cm.

The great history of France by the Protestant Jean de Serres (circa 1540-1598), pastor, humanist and historiographer of King Henry IV, who traces the history of the realm reign by reign from Pharamond, placing it alongside that of the Church and the Empire. A reference work of French historiography at the end of the Renaissance, constantly reprinted and continued after the author’s death: the present edition of 1620, “augmented up to the present,” carries the narrative to the reign of Louis XIII, page 1246 reproducing a royal declaration of 1620.

Title printed in red and black, adorned with the great arms of France and Navarre engraved on wood, under the royal crown and surrounded by the collars of the king’s orders; epistle “To the King”; large borders and illuminated initials.

Binding of the period in full vellum, grand device in a crown of foliage stamped at the center of the covers.

Condition: binding fatigued (vellum stained, missing at the bottom of the first cover, corners and spine worn); interior correct, foxing and some stains and marginal damp spots.