Du Tillet (Jean). — A Compendium of the Kings of France, The - Lot 376

Du Tillet (Jean). — A Compendium of the Kings of France, Their Crowns, and Houses. Along with the Ranks of the Nobles of France... Plus an abridged chronicle containing all that has occurred, both in matters of war and otherwise, between kings and princes, republics, and foreign potentates: By M. I. du Tillet, Bishop of Meaux. Paris, P. Mettayer, 1618. 2 in-4 volumes bound together in a single volume in full contemporary calfskin, with an ornate ribbed spine and title label—caps worn down, splits in the headband, minor losses of leather on the spine, stains on the first 5 leaves - Vol. I, [4 folios, title page, dedication to the King and to the reader], 456 pp. (Collection of the Kings of France), 128 pp. (Collection of the Ranks of the Nobility of France); Vol. II, Excerpts from the 1606 editions by P. Métayer, containing the wars and treaties of peace, truces, and alliances between the Kings of France and England—[1 folio title page], pp. 131–420 (ch. 424 by mistake, not noted by Saffroy), 1–296 pp. (abridged chronicle of the Kings of France), 118 pp. (ch. 273–390 for Jean du Tillet’s memorandum and advice… on the liberties of the Gallican Church, not noted by Saffroy), [32 ff. table of contents]. "This work is of paramount importance for French royal symbolism (.). It is a seminal work both in terms of its text and its illustrations. It originated from the commission granted by Henry II on Dec. 21, 1548, to Jean du Tillet, instructing him to compile from the registers of the Parliament of Paris—of which he was secretary and civil clerk—the regulations, statutes, ordinances, etc. pertaining to the ranks, precedence, and orders held by princes, officers of the Crown, and other great lords of the kingdom in all assemblies during the reigns of previous kings of France.” (Saffroy, 10253)