Comines, Philippe de. “The Historie of Philip de Commines Knight, Lord of Argenton. Translated by Thomas Danett, with dedicatory Epistle to Lord Burghley. Title with in historiated woodcut border bearing the royal arms and motto “Honi soit qui mal y pense”, the crest of Burghley, and the printer’s beehive device; also several large woodcut capitals throughout and at the end genealogical table. [16], 364pp small folio: Ar. Hatfield for I. Norton, London. 1601, 1601. Second edition. One of the primary sources for the history of Europe in the late fifteenth century, covering the reigns of Louis XI and Charles VIII. Comines has been called “the first critical and philosophical historian since classical times” (Oxford Companion to English Literature), principally for his shrewd and practical insight into the political realities of his day, his psychological awareness and his candid account of the machinations of the politicians he described. His history is divided into 8 books, the first six of which deal with the reign of Louis XI; the last two deal with the Italian wars of Charles VIII, ending with his death. Thomas Danett’s English translation was first published in 1596 and copies of that book are extremely rare and very high priced, if they are found complete. Danett states that thirty years before he presented Lord Burghley and the “the late Earle of Leicester my Lord” his “historie of Commines rudely translated into our vulgar toong”, and that he later revised and enlarged his translation at the request of Sir Christopher Hatton. According to the DNB, Danett (fl. 1566-1601) was also the author of other works about famous people of the times. What is most intriguing are the genealogies at the back of royalties in France and England and shows how closely they were intertwined. Elizabeth I is still alive during the publication of this book.

The book has been somewhat crudely rebound and could use a professional restoration of the binding. One worm has found its way into the first several pages and has burrowed into some words but it is a small burrow usually only affecting a single word. Corners bumped but with original boards and spine has been replaced. Some edge toning but overall, exceptional inside. Has the period hand signature of J. M. Wilson on the cover page and some smudge across the title and crossed out names that are difficult to make out. At the end it reads also Ed: Roberts also in period hand. This book is reserved at $1,000.00 and will NOT sell below its reserve. You can also sell it back to us at anytime for the same price you paid for it, so keep your receipt and also provided it comes back in the same condition with all of its pages, we will buy it back! So bid with confidence. This is a great book written in old English of the Elizabethan era! And printed in her lifetime! Good luck bidding.