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129 - FROISSART (Jean). The first [- second, third and fourth] vol…
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Estimate €2,000 - €3,000
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Description
FROISSART (Jean). The first [- second, third and fourth] volume by Sir Jehan Froissart, which deals with memorable events that took place in France, England, Flanders, Spain, Scotland and other neighbouring regions. An extremely rare complete copy of Froissart’s Chronicles (1337–1410), comprising three volumes of the important third edition printed by Guillaume Eustace in 1514 and one volume of the 1530 edition. Paris, Galiot Du Pré, 1530, Guillaume Eustace, 1514. 4 volumes in 3 folio volumes (320 x 220 mm), contemporary binding in tan calfskin, double fillet edging on the covers, ribbed spine decorated with gilt metal tools. (6)ff., ccxiii ff. (213), (1 f.); (6 ff.), cclxxix ff. (279), (colophon missing); (6 ff.), ccxxxi ff. (231); (2 ff.), cxi ff. (111). Bindings with repairs to spines, joints and edges. A few rare signs of handling, slight marginal water stains, titles slightly faded. In volume 2, several small holes (insect damage). In volume 3, the title page has been restored at the corners and reinforced on the reverse; slight water damage to the first few leaves (approx. 10); the last three leaves are faded. A very rare edition, printed, like the previous ones, in Gothic type. The text, set in two columns, contains 43 lines per page. This edition is rarely found complete. Our copy is no exception; although it comprises all four books, the second, third and fourth are from the major edition by Guillaume Eustace of 1514 (the third according to Thomas Schwitter’s classification), whilst the first comes from the 1530 edition.  The illustration in volume 1 features a beautiful title in red and black, set within an architectural frame engraved on wood and adorned with a large single-headed grotesque letter. The titles of parts 2, 3 and 4 are adorned with a grotesque letter and the printer’s mark. The text is embellished with numerous wood-engraved illuminated initials. The fourth volume concludes with a beautiful full-page wood engraving depicting a standing emperor, with a pope to his left and a King of France to his right, bearing the initials of Guillaume Eustace. A remarkable collection of the famous chronicles by Jean Froissart (c. 1337–c. 1404), written between 1361 and 1400, focusing in particular on the conflict between France and England during the Hundred Years’ War. "His Chronicles offer the aristocracy a broad picture of chivalric society, its deeds, festivals, rituals, dreams and concerns. For us, this book remains an essential source of knowledge about the 14th century" (Bechtel, p. 303). Tchémerzine 5, 374.
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About the sale Fine antique and collectible books, manuscripts and modern illustrated works
Auction location
Auction time 06/29/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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