99 - LA MURE (Jean-Marie de). A UNIVERSAL CIVIL AND ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF THE FOREZ REGION. BASED ON AUTHORITIES AND AUTHENTIC EVIDENCE.

LA MURE (Jean-Marie de). A UNIVERSAL CIVIL AND ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF THE FOREZ REGION. BASED ON AUTHORITIES AND AUTHENTIC EVIDENCE. Lyon, published by Jean Poysuel, 1674. 2 parts with continuous pagination of [20]–483 pages and 2 plates (view of Roanne and map of Forez), maroon morocco richly decorated with interlacing patterns, scrolls, and gilded foliage, punctuated by small dolphins framing the coat of arms of Forez; spine similarly decorated; blue morocco lining with gilded border and the initials H.P., garnet moiré endpapers, double endpapers, gilt head on marbled paper (19th-century binding). FIRST EDITION dedicated to Camille de Neuville de Villeroy, Cardinal-Archbishop of Lyon and Primate of Gaul, by the Canon of Montbrison. There is only one edition of this rare book, printed in Lyon by P. Compagnon and R. Taillandier, but the booksellers Daniel Gayet and Posuel handled its sale. Copies bearing the names of these three firms can therefore be found; they are identical except for the variation in the title regarding the booksellers’ names. The first part describes the origins of the region, the towns of Montbrison, Roanne, and Feurs, and the history of French rule in the Forez region; the second part—known as *L’Astree Sainte*—is a comprehensive biography of the men who distinguished themselves there: bishops, deans, abbots, abbesses, judges, and others. A splendid copy of a rare work, especially in this condition. It is enhanced by two maps at the end and has been thoroughly cleaned; it likely comes from the prestigious collection of a Forez enthusiast. Two worn corners. The binding is signed in ink “Martin.” (Brunet, III, 804).