The Memoirs of Philip de Comines: Containing the History of Lewis XI. and Charles VIII. of France; and of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy;... and lastly, the Secret History of Lewis XI.... A New Edition. In Two Volumes

London: Printed for G. and W.B. Whittaker, 1823. Hardcover. Small Octavo. Very Good. Item #33962

Two volumes. Pp. xxxvi, 540; viii, 570. Contemporary half calf over marbled paper boards, spines with 5 gilt-ruled raised bands, contrasting labels, gilt. Minor rubbing to extremities, endpapers a little foxed, but overall a clean, sound, attractive set. First published in 1524, The Memoirs of Philip de Comines, the Flemish diplomat and historian, who served in the courts of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, Louis XI, and Charles VII of France, are regarded as a primary source for the history of the 15th century. Like Machiavelli, whom he met when he accompanied Charles VIII on his Italian expedition (1494), Comines takes a pragmatic approach to the machinations of monarchs and the unsavoury aspects of diplomacy, and sums up his view of statecraft with the cynical observation, "to the victors go all the honours". His Memoirs provide a candid and perceptive analysis of the men and motives of his time, and are generally considered to mark the beginning of modern French history.

Price (CAD): $150.00

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