THE CHRONICLES OF ENGRUERRAND DE MONSTRELET, Containing an Account of the Cruel Civil Wars Between The Houses of Orleans and Burgundy; of the Possession of Paris and Normandy by the English, Their Expulsion Thence, and of Other Memorable Events That Happened in the Kingdom of France as well as in Other Countries. A History of Fair Example and Great Profit to the French, Beginning in the Year MCCCC. Where That of Sir John Froissart Finishes, and Ending at the Year MCCCLXVII. And Continued by Others to the Year MDXVI. Translated by Thomas Johnes, ESQ.
(London: Hafod Press, 1809-1809).
VERY RARE LARGE PAPER FIRST EDITION COPIES. ONE OF ONLY SIX COPIES PRINTED. Johnes's translation was the standard for most of the nineteenth century. "Froissart might be called the great interviewer of the Middle Ages. The newspaper correspondent of modern times has scarcely surpassed this medieval collector of intelligence. He traveled extensively in the various countries of Europe; he conversed with gentlemen of rank everywhere; and he had the remarkable knack of persuading those about him to divulge all he wanted to know. He learned the details of battles from both sides and from every point of view. He delighted in the minutest affairs of every cavalry skirmish, of the capture of every castle, and of every brave action and gallant deed. He lived from 1337 to about 1410, and wrote chiefly of contemporaneous events. The "Chronicles" are universally considered as the most vivid and faithful picture we have of events in the fourteenth century.... As a picture of the most favorable side of chivalry, the work has no equal" (Adams, Manual of Historical Literature, pp. 334-5). Item #20518
5 volumes. FIRST EDITIONS of Johnes translations. LARGE PAPER, FOLIO COPIES, ONE OF ONLY SIX SETS WITH THE PLATES IN TWO STATES, both handcoloured and in sepia. Of the large paper sets issued in only 25 sets total, 19 were issued without the coloured plates. This then is one of the very rare copies with coloured plates and one of only six thus. Extensively illustrated with very fine plates issued in two states, both in sepia and hand-coloured and illuminated, 102 plates total. Large Folio, bound in full dark-green crushed morocco, the spines lettered in gilt between raised bands of the spines. Each volume is housed in a cloth covered open-end slipcase. A very handsome set of this rare work. Some weakness to a few hinges.