THE CHRONICLES OF ENGUERRAND 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 Other Countries. A History of Fair Example, and of Great Profit to the French. Beginning at the year MCCCC, Where that of Sir John Froissart Finishes, and Ending at the Year MCCCCLXVII, and Continued by Others to the Year MDXVI. Translated by Thomas Johnes, Esq.

2 volumes. First edition in this format and an important early printing of Johnes’ translation. With very fine woodcut illustrations throughout the text. Royal 8vo, in handsome antique three-quarter reddish tan calf over cloth covered boards by Morrell of London, the spines with gilt spangled raised bands between gilt framed compartments, two of which are lettered in gilt, additional gilt ruling at both tips and gilt lettering at the tail, finely marbled end-papers and page edges, handsome engraved MacEwen bookplates on front end-paper featuring the crest of Clan MacEwen. xxxvi, 640; xvi, 552 pp. A very fine and handsome set, the bindings strong and attractive with only a touch of mellowing at the corners, the text beautifully preserved, fresh and clean.

Edizione: scarce, an important printing of johnes's translation, which was the standard for most of the nineteenth century. monstrelet continued the great european chronicle, picking up at the point were froissart’s work left off. the author less-than-modestly called it, “a history of fair example and of great profit to the french.” he begins the work in the year 1400 and chronicles up to the year 1447, the work is then finished by other writers of the time till the year 1516. very little is known of monstrelet’s life outside of his writings, though he is thought to have been present at the interrogation of joan of arc by philip the good. his value as a historian is in his eye for detail of his use of a large number of primary documents. his history contains a large number of documents which are certainly, and reported speeches which are probably, authentic.