MARIANA (Juan de). General history of Spain. [Following] Dis - Lot 20

MARIANA (Juan de). General history of Spain. [Following] Dissertation historique sur les monnoyes antiques d'Espagne. Paris, Mercier, Lottin, Josse & Briasson, 1725. 5 volumes bound in 6 volumes in-4, marbled calf, ornate ribbed spines (period binding). First edition of the French translation by Joseph-Nicolas Charenton. It is illustrated with engraved vignettes and headbands, 4 folding maps and 16 plates of coins. This history is esteemed for the merit of its research, the accuracy of its facts, the wisdom of its reflections, and above all for its simple yet elegant style, which is very close to that of Tite-live, whom the author, the Jesuit Juan de Mariana (1537-1624), had taken as his model. He had completed his work in 1492; ten books were added in 1605, bringing his work up to date until Charles V's accession to the throne in 1519 (Brunet III, 1423). The copy is complete with the Supplement adding a chronicle of events up to 1621 and the dissertation on ancient coins by Nicolas Mahudel, Jesuit and later Trappist, which has its own title page and pagination at the end of the last volume. A fine copy. Slight wetness on qs. ff. of vol. 1, in lower margin of vol. 3, more pronounced on last ff. of vol. 4.