Pierre de RONSARD. Les Quatre premiers livre (sic) de la franciade Au Roy Tres-chrestien, Charles neufieme de ce nom. In-4, gilt vellum with spandrels and central finial, smooth spine with 4 false nerves underlined by a gilt roulette and gilt finials, gilt edges ( Contemporary binding.) Barbier, MBP, II-52 // Brunet, IV-1383 // Tchemerzine-Scheler, V-450. (14 f.)-229-(1 f. blank) / a4, e4, i4, o2, A-Z4 / Aa-Ff4 / 162 x 220 mm. First edition of this poem, begun in 1561 at the request of Henri II, which was never completed. This edition contains a 9-page prose epistle to the reader, which was not included in later editions. Two woodcut portraits of Ronsard and Charles IX, printer's mark on title. Barbier-Mueller lists several states. Our copy corresponds in every respect to the B print run. A fine set copy. The vellum is a little soiled and stained, with a missing corner, a cut and a handwritten annotation on the first cover. Nevertheless, it retains the irresistible charm of the past. A small brown stain on one leaf.