Martenes (1 results)

Hardback. Condition: Very Good. ~This is the first of two vols. The second (missing) volume contains German monasteries. Original half tan crushed morocco, green paper to boards. Raised bands, gilt fillets, and green gilt label to spine. All edges yellow, top edges darkened. 4to (21 x 25.6cm). Mild rubbing to boards. Hinges sound. Endpapers uncracked over inner hinges. Minor offset browning to endpapers. Endpapers watermarked 'Pro Patria' with Maid of Dort figure (symbol of Dutch independence), widely used throughout 18th century. No publisher. Title page to part I has subtitle 'Ou l'on trouvera quantite de Pieces, d'Inscriptions & d'Epitaphes servantes a eclaircir l'Histoire & les genealogies des anciennes Familles, &c', with additional text 'in-quarto'. Second part has undated half-title, separate pagination and register. Decorative head-pieces and initials. This work, written by two French Maurists, Ursin Durand (1682-1771) and Edmond Martene (1654-1739), was first published (2 vols) in 1717 and 1724. This 1740 edition appears to be from the same typesetting as that first edition, although without the 'Preface' to vol. I. Very scarce: no records of this edition on WorldCat. The University Library, Cambridge, holds a 1730 quarto reprint published in Amsterdam (no publisher, also same typesetting as first edn): this edition could perhaps be a later impression of this edition (in which case the 'A Paris' imprint would presumably be false). The work is a learned record of Durand and Martene's literary tour through Germany and the Netherlands to collect material for 'Rerum Gallicarum et Francicarum Scriptores' the great collection of the historians of Gaul and France by their fellow Maurist historian Martin Bouquet. It includes records of many epitaphs (carefully and creatively typeset) and accounts of the two historians' travels, with particular attention to church architecture. A rare early edition of an important work. ~Robust packaging. All UK orders trackable, others on request. Used books are exempt from USA tariffs. 3rd edn. Hardback. Size: 312, 296pp.