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2 parts as 1. Folio, pp. [viii], 1478, with printing privilege dated 7th January 1646 facing title-page. Large engraved monogram of the translators' initials on title-page, with dedication leaves, second part title dated 1648, woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces throughout text, generous margins. Without errata leaf. Occasional spots and smudges, a few cloudy wax marks affecting but not obscuring text, Z3 top corner lost and 3L4 bottom edge lost but neither affecting text, closed tear to bottom margin leaf 3N3, tiny wormhole to fore-edge margins p.851 onward. Contemporary very dark brown calf, gilt spine, tan label, marbled edges. Neat repairs to head and tail of spine, joints worn, a bit rubbed but very good. Armorial bookplate (signed AW 1828) of Sir Montague Cholmeley, Bart. to front pastedown. Given the date, this is most likely Sir Montague Cholmeley, 2nd baronet (1802-1874), who followed his father as MP for Grantham. First English translation of a history of the sixteenth century French civil wars, ending with the peace treaty of 1598. Written at the behest of Charles I, it was a topical book, printed as the king lost his own civil war, and it carries its own evidence of that political turmoil, with the translators, in a dedication to Charles I dated shortly before the King was executed, wishing that "your majesty [.] soon re-establish as happy a Peace in all Your Kingdoms, as the great Henry your queen's heroick father did in France [.]". One, William Aylesbury, who was in the service of Charles and was once tutor to his favourite, the Duke of Buckingham, obtained a fourteen year privilege to exclusively publish the book, from parliament rather than the king, but from the royalist House of Lords rather than from the 'parliamentarian' House of Commons. ESTC R21290; Wing D413. Seller Inventory # 54185
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