230 - MARCHANGY (L.-A.-F. de). *La Gaule poétique*. 5th edition published based on the author’s notes and corrections.

MARCHANGY (L.-A.-F. de). *La Gaule poétique*. 5th edition published based on the author’s notes and corrections. Paris, Hivert, 1834–1835, 8 volumes in-8, Portrait and 16 separate engravings. Glossy light brown calfskin, framed with gilt fillets and a cold-stamped garland, spine with faux raised bands adorned with gilt romantic motifs, chain on the edges, interior wheel, gilt edges. (Contemporary bindings).—A fine copy, with generous margins and well bound. The engravings are on applied China paper, printed before the letter. Minor superficial scuffs on three covers. A few scattered foxing spots. Final edition of this grand historical epic, first published in 1813–17. It is the author’s finest and most famous work. This well-written book shed light on the early centuries of the French monarchy and contributed to the revival of interest in the Middle Ages during the Romantic era. The origins of the French nation, up to the reign of Henry IV, told through 40 elegantly written narratives. Volume 8 contains the notes and sources. (Bourquelot V, 273). Louis-Antoine-François Marchangy was born in Saint-Saulge in 1782. He followed his mother to Nevers. This well-read woman hosted poets in her home. The young Marchangy cultivated his poetic craft while studying law, and he published *Le Bonheur*, which enjoyed modest success. An ardent royalist, he pursued a career as a lawyer and member of parliament. It was Marchangy who secured the conviction of the four sergeants of La Rochelle in 1822. (Gueneau, p. 119; Surugue II, p. 591).