Louis XI circa 1905

This is the first edition of this title published by the Ancienne Librairie Furne/Boivin & Cie in Paris in 1905. This original blue cloth hard cover binding measures 12" x 14" . A large chromolithograph illustration on the front coverboard depicts King Louis in deep thought, in front of his castle window. The page edges are gilt, and the text is in French. The binding is in good condition with normal light wear to edges and back.

One of the six titles in the published French series "Collection d'Albums Historiques", it recounts the history of the controversial Louis XI (known as the "spider king" of France). Louis XI ruled from 1461-1483. His reign was marked by political machinations, a spinning spider's web of plot and conspiracy, which earned him his nickname.

The 40 spectacular aquarelles in "chromotypogravure" plates bring alive the brilliantly colored illustrations. Some illustrations are to a double page. The format of this volume placed the text leaves tipped onto stubs so that the spectacular plates are fully visible, giving the huge double-page plates a cinematic effect. Many of the illustrations overlay the text, and the leaves are all mounted on linen guards.

This is an exceptional example of large format printing and illustration.

Item ID: MT125

$495 USD

Please Wait...Add to Cart