1881 Les Chroniques de J Froissart / Librairie Hachette, Paris / Beautiful Antique Book / 11 Illuminated Pages Plus Numerous Engravings

Here is a stunning antique copy of Les Chroniques de J Froissart. IN FRENCH. A monumental work of medieval history written by Jean Froissart, a 14th-century French-speaking writer and court historian. Spanning the years 1326 to 1400, focusing on the Hundred Years’ War between England and France. Also recounting major events across Western Europe, including battles, royal ceremonies, revolts, and diplomatic intrigues. Froissart pays special attention to the chivalric exploits of knights and nobles, making it a vivid portrait of medieval aristocratic life.

This large-format, comprehensive leather bound copy was published in 1881 by Librairie Hachette, Paris. With eleven stunning illuminated chromolithographs (see photos), a double-page map and numerous detailed and exciting engravings. Each section also starts with a decorative illuminated page.

Froissart based his early volumes on earlier chronicles, but later relied on eyewitness accounts and his own travels. He attended major events like the baptism of Richard II, the coronation of Charles VI, and royal weddings, giving his work a front-row perspective. It’s considered the most important contemporary prose narrative of the early Hundred Years’ War. The Chronicles are a rich source for historians, not just for military history, but also for insights into medieval culture, politics, and literature. It remains a lively and engaging historical record

Gilt edged on all sides and in a fantastically ornate leather binding. It has been re-backed and so is now in fantastic, sturdy condition. With a cracked hinge at the beginning, but in no way effecting the binding of the text block and the pages are extremely tightly bound. All plates are present. Before being re-backed it had lost an area to the leather spine at the top (see close-up photos), otherwise just some rubbing to the corners and spine joints. The gilts on the page edges and the boards being sparkly bright this is a truly arresting copy that looks stunning on display. An asset to any library or collection.

Your antique copy of Les Chroniques de J Froissart 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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PLEASE NOTE DIMENSIONS of this large volume: H 28 cm x W 22 cm, 839 pages, 3.1 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 book not to be decoratively wrapped and sent simply in the full protective packaging please add a note to the order.

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