LE LABOUREUR (J.). Histoire de Charles VI, roy de France, es - Lot 87

LE LABOUREUR (J.). Histoire de Charles VI, roy de France, escrite par les ordres et sur les mémoires de Guy de Monceaux et de Philippes de Villette, abbez de Saint-Denys, par un autheur contemporain, religieux de leur abbaye. Traduit sur le manuscrit latin par M. Le Laboureur, et par lui-même illustrée de plusieurs commentaires tirez de tous les originaux de ce règne. Paris, Billaine, 1663. 2 vol. in-folio, marbled calf, ornate ribbed spines, double gilt fillet on the edges (period binding). The illustrations include 2 vignettes on the titles and numerous woodcuts, as well as a portrait of Charles VI by De L'Armes and a plate depicting the tomb of the King and Queen. These two copper engravings are missing from most copies. First edition of Jean Le Laboureur's French translation of this famous Latin chronicle by Benoît Gentien. The author was connected with the court and was officially commissioned to write the history of his time, from 1380 to 1416. Le Laboureur continued it, according to the memoirs of Jean Lefèvre, until the end of the reign of Charles VI in 1422 (Brunet III, 955). Benoit Gentien, a famous monk from Saint-Denis, was a doctor of theology. He was made famous by his History of Charles VI, which is highly instructive on the intrigues of the Avignon Court and the affairs of the French Court. His style is impartial, which was rather rare for the time. He wrote this history on the orders and memoirs of Gui de Monceaux and Philippe de Villette. Minor wear to binding, some light marginal spotting, some smaller-sized sections, tear to upper flyleaf of vol. 2, otherwise a fine copy, complete with portrait and plate, which is rare.