Les Négociations
First edition; a very fine copy preserved in its contemporary morocco binding.
In-folio of (7) ff., 755 pp. (misnumbered 757), (1) p., (5) ff. Red morocco, double border of triple gilt fillet in the Duseuil style on the covers, spine gilt in a grotesque pattern with raised bands, gilt edges, gilt inner roll, gilt edges. Contemporary binding.
367 x 247 mm.
Jeannin, Pierre. The Negotiations of Monsieur President Jeannin.Paris, Pierre Le Petit, 1656.
First edition of these highly important memoirs on the League and the Wars of Religion.
Dedicated to Superintendent Nicolas Fouquet, the edition is adorned with a fine portrait of Jeannin by Nanteuil.
Tchemerzine, III, 756; Graesse, III 458.
“These memoirs are especially important for the end of the 16th century and the reign of Henry IV. However, they may also be consulted in connection with the Estates General of 1614, the Assembly of Notables of 1617, and the disputes between Marie de’ Medici and Louis XIII” (Bourgeois and André).
Known as President Jeannin, Pierre Jeannin, the son of a tanner, owed his rise to the highest offices in the magistracy and ultimately to the position of minister to King Henry IV solely to his own merit.
A deputy for the Third Estate at the States of Blois in 1576, he described how the Guises pushed the members of the assembly to use force against the Huguenots.
Jeannin supported the party of moderation and peace. He played an important role during the League and then under the reigns of Henry III, Henry IV, and the regency of Marie de’ Medici. In 1607 he was sent to Holland to prevent the United Provinces from approaching Spain. As President of the Parliament of Burgundy, Pierre Jeannin played a major role in preparing the Edict of Nantes.
After the death of Henry IV and the retirement of Sully, Marie de’ Medici relied on Jeannin and entrusted him with the general administration of finances.
“The documents related to the negotiation with Holland occupy a large place in Jeannin’s Works. ‘This negotiation,’ says M. Avenel, ‘is remarkably well suited to reveal this skillful diplomat. In this correspondence, he describes, with rare sagacity, the situation of all the powers of Europe; he exposes their intrigues, reveals their projects, estimates their strengths, warns what should be feared, advises what may be attempted, and indicates the best ways to achieve success.To these great talents, add extreme selflessness, an old-fashioned character, a conciliatory mind, a gentle and benevolent temper, a praiseworthy zeal for the education of youth, and finally an enlightened sympathy for literature and men of science, and you have the collection of traits that make up the character of this remarkable man.Richelieu gives Jeannin high praise: ‘One cannot say enough in his favor. He always studied more how to serve than to please; This upright man was worthy of an age less corrupt than ours.’ ” (Hoefer). “The collection of Negotiations is regarded as the best model for statesmen and negotiators. It was used as a manual by Cardinal Richelieu, who read Jeannin’s ‘Negotiations’ every day during his retreat in Avignon, finding, as he said, always something to learn from them.” (Michaud, Bibliographie générale, XI, 24).
Very fine copy, large-margined, preserved in its contemporary red morocco binding by Duseuil, a rare condition.
