[RACINE Jean (1639-1699)]

[RACINE Jean (1639-1699)]
- Campaign of Louis XIV. By M. Pelisson. With the comparison of Francis I. With Charles V. By M. ***
Paris, chez Mesnier, 1730. In-12 (160 x 97 mm), 265 pp. Full marbled calf, smooth spine decorated with gilt fleurons, burgundy morocco title-piece, gilt fillet on the edges, red edges, marbled paper end-papers (period binding).
Rare first edition.
The authors of the Campaign would be Racine and Boileau, and the author of the Comparison, De Varillas (Tchemerzine).
In 1690, Jean Racine was ennobled by Louis XIV, and became an ordinary gentleman of the King. In his capacity as historiographer, he wrote a History of the Reign of Louis XIV, unfinished at his death. Following a fire, only a fragment of it has been preserved, the Campagne de 1672 à 1678.
The work is a praise of King Louis XIV and his conquests.
Only five copies are listed in national and international institutions: 4 in the BNF and 1 in the Danish National Bibliothek.
REFERENCES Tchemerzine, V, 369| Barbier, I, 484| Guibert, 285-289.
(Used condition of binding, calf missing from upper corner| slight foxing).