Paris, chez la Veuve Pissot, 1745.
2 volumes 12mo of: I/ (1) blank leaf, (2) leaves, 269 pp., 1 fold-out map outside the text, 1 portrait of Charlemagne outside the text; II/ (1) blank leaf, (1) leaf, 275 pp., xviii pp., (2) leaves.
Full red morocco, triple gilt fillet around the covers with corner fleurons, richly decorated ribbed spine, gilt edges. Parisian contemporary binding.
180 x 105 mm.
Rare first edition dedicated to the “Duke of Nivernois”, illustrated with the portrait of Charlemagne drawn by Boizot and a folding map of his Empire.
The second volume presents in the first edition the “Mémoire lu à l’Académie des Belles-Lettres le vendredi 9 avril 1745 ”, an 18-page booklet devoted to historical disagreements on the division made by Pepin of his states between Charlemagne and Carloman.
“The Widow Pissot printed a ‘Histoire de Charlemagne’, by Mr. De La Bruhere, 1745, in-12, 2 volumes. One is astonished to see the history of one of the greatest Princes who ever reigned, contained in two small volumes; but the Author apologizes for the lack of detail he found in contemporary writers, who merely report the facts. Moreover, he gives us a very high idea of Charlemagne, who has always been regarded as a great man. His reign was the most brilliant epoch of the Monarchy of the French. This History is preceded by a Preliminary Discourse of 65 pages, as interesting as it is instructive, in which he explains how the crown of France passed from the Merovingians to the family of Charlemagne. At the head of the work is a geographical map of the Empire of Charlemagne; & thereafter, the Author provides a very curious summary description of the Peoples & Countries that made up this great Empire. It is known that Charlemagne waged war throughout his life, & carried his victorious Arms in all parts of Europe; thus the history of this Prince is almost a continuous account of Battles, Sieges & other military expeditions. Prosperity never dazzled this Conqueror; & France, says the historian, did not mourn the triumphs of its king. He earned the esteem & confidence of Foreigners, & his People loved & regretted him as their Father. This book deserves the Public’s attention.” (Bibliothèque Françoise, ou histoire littéraire de la France, 1745, p. 353)
Beautiful wide-margined copy preserved in its elegant contemporary morocco binding.
Provenance: Maison du Sacré-Cœur de Jésus La Ferrandière Lyon, Lucien Allienne, L. Brun, bookseller in Lyon with ex libris.
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