BIE. J. de. Les Familles de la France illustrees par les monumens, des medailles anciennes et modernes, tirees des plus rares et curieux Cabinets du Royaume, sur les Metaux d'Or, d'Argent et de Bronze. A Monsieur l'Eminentissime Cardinal Duc de Richelieu.
Second edition, Paris, Jean Camusat, 1636. Folio, pp. (4), 22, (8), 245 (1), Index, (10). Printed title in red and black, superbly engraved historiated title, woodcut initials, headpieces and tailpieces, engraved size table; numerous full page plates throughout the text, depicting 18 medals of French Popes, 30 of French Cardinals, 140 of French Noblemen, and 94 of government officials. BOUND WITH: --- --- La France Metallique, contenant Les actions celebres tant Publiques que Privees des Rois et des reines. Remarques en Leurs medailles?.au Tres-Christian Roy de France et de Navarre, Lovis XIII. Paris, Jean Camusat, 1636. Folio, title printed in red and black, engraved Dedication, woodcut initials, headings etc., second engraved title; pp. (2); 131 engraved plates; engraved scale chart. BOUND WITH: --- --- Explication ov Description Sommaire des Medailles contenves en l'oeuvre La France Metallique avec Trois Tables. La premiere des rois et reines de France pour lesquelles ces medailles ont este frappees; et les deux avtres, des divers et legendes des Reuers d'icelles. Paris, Jean Camvsat, 1636. Folio, title printed in red and black; pp. 396; 4. A few pages a trifle browned, but on the whole fine clean copies of these scarce works. The second edition of the first substantial attempt at a medallic history of France. All the engravings are by de Bie (1581-1650) himself. For a time the author was Mintmaster at the Brussels' Mint (1612-1613). The engraved title is an exceptional example of its type. Contemporary speckled full calf, neatly repaired and expertly re-backed; 6 raised bands, gilt rules, lettered in gilt at back. Very scarce. S2571
£850
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