Published by Guiljelmus (Willem) Blaeu, Amsterdam, 1635
Seller: El Sabio Books, Calgary, AB, Canada
First Edition
Engraved title-page vignette with coats of arms and allegorical figures (illustrator). Scarce first edition of Respublica Luxemburgensis, Hannoniae, et Namurcensis, published by Willem Blaeu in Amsterdam in 1635 as part of the renowned Respublicae series â" a uniform set of compact volumes describing the constitutions, geography, history, and government of European states. The work offers a concise survey of three regions central to the shifting borders of the Low Countries: Luxembourg, Hainaut, and Namur. Appearing at a time of intense territorial contest in the Thirty Yearsâ War, this text provided readers with authoritative knowledge of jurisdictions under Habsburg and Burgundian legacy, areas long fought over by France, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire. Blaeuâs press, famed for its atlases and maps, brought its typographical clarity and decorative style even to these pocket volumes. The engraved title-page, with allegorical figures and coats of arms, reflects both pride of place and the eraâs cartographic splendor. These books were meant for statesmen, diplomats, and educated travelers â" portable guides to the politics of Europe. Provenance: with early Jesuit library label (âResid. Tol. S.J.â) at front endpaper, adding institutional and scholarly interest. Contemporary manuscript spine title; Jesuit ex-library label. Very Good. Vellum binding slightly warped and soiled as typical; textblock edges darkened; engraved title sharp and well-preserved. Interior clean and crisp, with only light toning. Contemporary limp vellum, yapp edges, manuscript spine title in a fine early hand. Vellum toned and lightly soiled, naturally aged with attractive patina; structurally sound and complete First edition thus in the Blaeu-printed Respublicae series.