1710 Introduction a l'Histoire... l'Europe, Samuel Puffendorf. 19 fold-out maps, portraits.

A handsome four-volume history of Europe, complete set, illustrated with portraits of Europe's leaders (Louis XIV, Charles V, Leopold I, among others), with nineteen fold-out maps and one fold-out dedicatory leaf (bound at the start of the second book).

Most of the fold-out maps (excepting just several) are multi-fold and extend to approx. 31 x 22 cm. They are named:

Book one (Volumes 1 and 2) -

1. p4 - Orbis Terrarum - Lugdi Batav. Apud Petrum Vander Aa

2. p64 - L'Europe

3. p75 - Carte de l'Espagne

4. p198 - Algarbiaem/Portugalliae

5. p255 - Britannia Magna

6. p258 - Anglia

7. p292 - Scotia

8. p326 - Hibernia

9. p444 - La France

Book two (Volumes 3 and 4)

1. p12 - Les Provinces Unies des Paysbas

2. p108 - La Suisse

3. p144 - l'Allemagni

4. p222 - Le Danemarc

5. p290 - La Suede

6. p468 - Mer Baltique

7. p513 - Plan exact des Fortifications du Chateau de Choczim... (Battle scene/Map)

8. p532 - La Moscovie Meridionale

9. p535 - La Moscovie Septentrionale

10. p567 - L'Italie

I purchased the set from the estate of a map collector, and I believe this set has great appeal to those so inclined.

Puffendorf was a German jurist, political philosopher, economist and historian, noted for his theories being familiar to revolutionary American figures Hamilton, Madison and Jefferson.

Physical Attributes -

Each measures approx. 16 x 10 x 3.5 cm, octavo. Calf bindings with single blind fillet around frame around boards. Five raised bands to spine; four compartments with central flower and corner sprays in gilt, title and volume in gilt on darker leather, all compartments framed in gilt. Edges painted red. Marbled endpapers. Illustrated with portraits, fold-out maps, decorative title page, and dedication fold-out.

Pages -

Book One - Frontis portrait, decorative title page, title page, *6 (six leaves of introductory fare), 416, title leaf, 417-649, indice 649 verso, Ss6 to Ss8, Tt8, Vv8, Xx8, Yy4

Book two - Dedication leaf, title page, 458, title page leaf, 459-783, 783 verso indice start, Ddd1-Hhh8.

Condition -

See pictures. Edge and corner wear, occasional rub or spot to boards, some loss of spine decoration and a little chipping at spine tops (but all head-bands present). Fourth volume has square ghost of smaller book on its top board, and a 1" crack at top of front joint. Top-edges of text blocks slightly darker from dust.

Pencil "128" at verso of v1. flyleaf. Some bookbinder notes at rear of each volume. Some toning throughout, and a little foxing (not bad). Occasionally there's a little damage at the gutter of the fold of the maps, but mostly they're in great shape. In summary, it seems to me that these books are in contemporary bindings and have had very little use, and were stored well, leaving the maps and text blocks in good condition.