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a set of four books sitting on top of each otheran old book with a picture of a cross on the coveran old book with a drawing of a group of people sitting around a tablea picture of a painting of a boat with people in itan old book with a picture of a man and a woman on it
ALDE

266 - WACE (Robert). *Le Roman de Rou*.
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Estimate €2,000 - €3,000
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Description
WACE (Robert). *Le Roman de Rou*. – *Le Roman de Brut*. A collection of two seminal texts on the history of Normandy, by the same author. Bound together in a uniform binding. Rouen, Ed. Frère, 1827–1838. 4 volumes in large 8vo and 4vo formats, brown half-shagreen, ribbed spine decorated with panels, fleurons, gilt titles and dates, gilt headbands, untrimmed (late 19th-century binding). A remarkable set, in perfect condition, comprising the first editions of these two major texts that form the foundation of the history of Normandy and the Norman conquest of England. “One of the most remarkable works of our ancient literature, of which only fragments had previously been published,” says Brunet.  Wace, who died around 1180, was a native of the island of Jersey; he studied in Caen and probably in Chartres and Paris, and was a canon at Bayeux. WACE (Robert). *Le Roman de Rou et des ducs de Normandie*, published for the first time… by Frédéric Pluquet. Rouen, Edouard Frère, 1827. 2 volumes, in-8. 2 frontispieces (the baptism of Rollo and the Battle of Hastings) on mounted Chinese paper. First edition. A sequel to the previous work. Whilst the latter was devoted to legendary origins (including the origin of the Round Table, etc., according to Geoffrey of Monmouth), the *Roman de Rou* (= Rollo), which remained unfinished at the time of its author’s death, is the history of the Dukes of Normandy and subsequently the Kings of England from Rollo up to 1106, the sixth year of Henry I’s reign. It was undoubtedly written in the years immediately preceding 1175. One of 60 copies on large Jésus vellum paper. WACE (Robert). *Le Roman de Brut*, published for the first time… with a commentary and notes by Roux de Lincy. Rouen, Edouard Frère, 1836–1838. 2 volumes.  First edition of this romance, comprising nearly 16,000 lines, which is fundamental to the history of Normandy. It is dedicated to Eleanor of Aquitaine and was probably written before 1155. “The Roman de Brut contributed to the popularity of the Arthurian legend; it is possible that Wace travelled to England and brought back some typographical knowledge from there…” says Grente, Dict. des Lettres françaises Moyen Âge (p. 759). Printed in an edition of 554 copies. One of 40 copies on large vellum paper with 5 large facsimile plates of the manuscript as separate inserts, 4 of which are on vellum, 2 partially illuminated in watercolour. Brunet V, 1391–93.
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About the sale Xavier de Planhol Library – The Origins of the Novel
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Auction time 09/30/2026 at 2:00 PM
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