25 - [HISTORY - FLANDERS] - DESPARS, Nicolaes

[HISTORY - FLANDERS] - DESPARS, Nicolaes "Chronicle of the Land and County of Flanders, from the years 405 to 1492. Published for the first time based on the original manuscript, and clarified with necessary annotations by J. de Jonghe" Bruges, By the publisher [and] Rotterdam, W. Messchert, 1839–1840, 4 volumes Large 8vo. Bottle-green glazed half-calf. Spine with 5 decorated double raised bands. Author, title, and volume number in gilt letters. Spine intact. Some normal wear and scuffing. Rare foxing. First edition in Dutch and first printing (fictitious mention of a second edition on the title page, a copy from the official issue bearing the ink number 240 and the autograph signature of the publisher Jean-Antoine de Jonghe) of this monumental Flemish chronicle written in the 16th century by Nicolaes Despars, an eminent magistrate and mayor of Bruges. Preserved as a precious manuscript for nearly three centuries, this text—of paramount importance for the medieval historiography of the County of Flanders—covers events occurring between the years 405 and 1492, ending with the death of Duchess Mary of Burgundy. The scholarly publication was edited by the Bruges scholar Jean-Antoine de Jonghe based on the original codex, enriching the text with an extensive set of critical notes, textual variants, and essential chronological references. The work provides an immersive account of urban rivalries, the privileges of the major Flemish cities, and the wars against the Kingdom of France. Provenance: from the Library of Philippe Kervyn of Volkaersbeke (ex-libris) References: Bibliotheca Belgica, D-109; Potthast, I, 377