35 - ROUSSILLON. The Military, Ecclesiastical, and Political State of Roussillon. In-8, light calfskin, decorated spine, framed with three threads and corner rosettes, internal dentation, gilt edges (antique binding).

ROUSSILLON. The Military, Ecclesiastical, and Political State of Roussillon. In-8, light calfskin, decorated spine, framed with three threads and corner rosettes, internal dentation, gilt edges (antique binding). PRECIOUS, UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPT, WRITTEN AROUND 1780, comprising 400 pp. + VIII pp., illustrated with 25 subjects, including 6 double-page spreads, featuring very fine original watercolors. Including: 4 maps, 11 plans of fortifications, 4 superb military uniforms, and 6 plans of important civilian buildings in the city of Perpignan. The work is organized into 9 main chapters: A Chronological Summary of the History of Roussillon, Military Affairs, Local Troops, Civil Affairs, Political Order, Financial Affairs, Ecclesiastical Affairs, Commercial Affairs, and Communities and Local Territory—all of which examine not only the state of Roussillon but also its needs, the changes and improvements to be made, etc. It lists the prices of foodstuffs, the locations of mineral springs and baths, all concluded with a table of contents. This extremely valuable and beautiful manuscript was certainly produced for an important figure in this province, most likely Marshal Duke of Noailles, then governor of Roussillon, whose name and title appear at the beginning of the volume. The watercolors are exceptionally beautiful and vivid, and the volume is well-preserved, despite a repair to one of the binding hinges.