The reasons why the Most Christian King preferred the Will o - Lot 349

The reasons why the Most Christian King preferred the Will of Charles II to the partition of the Spanish succession. The benefits accruing to him from this, along with the interests of the princes of Europe in such a momentous event. As well as the means of preventing the war that might result from it. In Pamplona, at Jaques Lenclume’s, 1701. In-12, 19th-century bronze morocco leather, triple gilt fillet framing on the covers with small fleurons at the corners, smooth spine with wear, filleted edges, gilt interior edging and gilt edges, 3 rubbed corners—frontispiece engraving, 228 pp. Since Charles II of Spain had no heir, his succession became a European affair, and in March 1700, a treaty of partition was concluded between France, England, and the United Provinces, which called into question the will of the Spanish monarch—who died on November 1, 1700—which bequeathed the kingdom to the Duke of Anjou, grandson of Louis XIV, on the condition that it not be divided. The will displeased England and the United Provinces and embarrassed Louis XIV, as shown in the frontispiece depicting him holding a snake at the entrance to a labyrinth with the caption: “The path through a labyrinth / Is a path one does not like / But Louis ventures in without fear / Prudence guides his steps.” Louis XIV decided to accept the will, a prelude to the War of the Spanish Succession. First and only edition, extremely rare.