[Malta]. GOUSSANCOURT (Mathieu de). The Martyrology of the Knights of S. Iean de Hierusalem, known as of Malta. Paris, by François Noel and the widow Guillaume Le Noir, 1643. 2 volumes in-folio of [22]-284 leaves (misquoted 393) and [2]-287 leaves misquoted, brown calf, spine with ornate nerves (period binding). FIRST EDITION. Uncommon work to be consulted with caution according to Hellwald "because it contains many errors and false quotations". It contains the praises, arms, coats of arms of the knights, their proofs of chivalry and the genealogical descent of most of the houses of Europe. Illustrated with 2 double-page genealogical tables (out of 4) and 503 BEAUTIFUL mid-page BLASONS engraved in intaglio by Michel Van-Lochom. One modern endpaper, spine rebacked, corners worn, title and one leaf doubled in volume II, small repairs on several ff., rings and light spotting, numerous pagination and signature errors. (Hellwald, p. 156 - Brunet II, 1683). Provenance : Library of the castle of Saint-Marcel in Marseille (dry stamp).