1824 Memoirs of Henry the Great of France - Leather Bound Antique

Here is a finely-bound antique two-volume set of Memoirs of Henry the Great and the Court of France During His Reign. Being a first edition thus, published by Harding, Triphook and Lepard, London in 1824. Henry IV is remembered as a pragmatic and beloved ruler who laid the groundwork for royal absolutism and a more unified France.

The author is not cited on the title page, but it was written by William Henry Ireland. Infamous in literary circles as the man behind the Shakespeare forgeries—he created fake documents and even a forged play (Vortigern and Rowena) which he claimed were written by Shakespeare. After the scandal was exposed, Ireland shifted toward more legitimate historical writing, and this memoir of Henry IV of France is one of those.

Inside the pages are clean and tightly bound. Has an inked inscription at the front of Volume I, but no other writing or markings of previous ownership. With tanning and spotting to the preliminary pages. Has marbled endpapers and page edges. Partially cracked inner hinges, but the binding is good and strong. Has a portrait frontispiece to Volume I, and a musical excerpt to Volume II, else unillustrated.

In fine full polished calf leather, with gilt and stamped decoration. Has some staining to the leather on the bottom edge of Volume II. Has some light rubbing to the edges and corners, and some chips to the title plates. Otherwise just some light scuffs/marks to the leather, but remaining a very smart looking set.

Your antique copy of the Memoirs of Henry the Great will be wrapped with care in tissue and ribbon* and sent well packaged. A gift message can be included in the parcel if desired.

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Each book 22.5 cm x W 15 cm, 498 and 540 pages, combined weight 1.6 kg. I dispatch worldwide daily from the UK. (There are just a very few countries which I am unable to ship to).

* If you would prefer for your books not to be decoratively wrapped and sent simply in the full protective packaging please add a note to the order.

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