07-20-201807-21-2018
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
3117BBoston
July 20, 2018 12:00 PMCalender
61

Estienne, Henri (1531-1598) A Mervaylous Discourse upon the Lyfe, Deedes, and Behaviours of Katherine de Medicis.

Sell one like this
$3,690$3,000
Auction: Books & Manuscripts - 3117BLocation: BostonDate / Time: July 20, 2018 12:00PM

Description:

Estienne, Henri (1531-1598) A Mervaylous Discourse upon the Lyfe, Deedes, and Behaviours of Katherine de Medicis. At Heydelberge [i.e. London: Printed by H. Middleton?], 1575. First edition, octavo, rare, five U.S. copies listed in ESTC, bound in full later calf, fore-margins of title and following leaf reinforced, 5 1/4 x 3 1/4 in.

"Between 1575 and 1579, at least nine French editions [of this work] were published, [...] in English, Latin, and German versions as early as 1575. Modeled satirically on a Latin saint's life or Legenda, the Discours Merveilleux purports to expose the devious and perverse character of Catherine de Medici, which threatens to lead to the destruction of the French Kingdom. At once an anti-Italian and misogynist assault on the Queen Mother, the Discours Merveilleux represents one of the foundational texts behind the notorious image of Catherine as the Black Queen." (Quoted from an article by Leah Chang, The George Washington University, published on the University of Virginia website: https://explore.lib.virginia.edu/exhibits/show/renaissance-in-print/frenchwarsofreligion/catherinedemedicis)

A-M8, N2.
http://estc.bl.uk/S101750
Estimate $800-1,200


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Keywords

Catherine de Medici, Katherine de Medicis, London, United States