Du grand et loyal devoir
One of the fundamental sources for the history of the early religious wars and "one of the best pamphlets of the time against the Guises".
Very rare first edition of the famous "merchants' book".
Precious copy bound in elegant red morocco by Derome le jeune, around 1780.
8vo, of 12 ll. and 205 pages.
Red morocco, triple gilt fillet on covers, decorated smooth spine, gilt edges. Binding by Derome le Jeune, circa 1780.
154 x 103 mm.
La Planche, Louis Regnier, Sieur de (1530-1580). Du grand et loyal devoir, fidélité et obéissance de messieurs de Paris envers le Roy & Couronne de France addressee à Messieurs Claude Guyot, seigneur de Charmeaux, conseiller du Roy, & maistre ordinaire en sa chābre des comptes à Paris, & Prevost des Marchans, Iehan de Sueur bourgeois, marchant & cōseiller de ville, Pierre Preost esleu pour le Roy en l’élection de Paris, Iehan Sanguin secrétaire du Roy & de la maison de France, & Iehan Meraut aussi bourgeois & marchant. Escheuins de laditte ville de Paris.
S. l., s. n., 1565.
Very rare first edition of the famous “merchants’ book”.
One of the fundamental sources for the history of the beginnings of the Wars of Religion and “one of the best pamphlets of the time against the Guises.”
“Work composed on the occasion of the dispute that arose in 1564 between the Cardinal of Lorraine and the Marshal of Montmorency, then governor of Paris. This dispute gave rise to several writings” (Brunet).
Manifesto of a “Montmorencist”, loyalist patriot and anti-Lorraine. It describes, in the form of a conversation between the merchants of the Innocents and Rue Saint-Denis, the entrance of the Cardinal of Lorraine into Paris on January 6, 1565: the intervention of Marshal Montmorency and the flight of the Guisards. It is undoubtedly one of the best pamphlets of this period. (Haag VIII, 401-403 Hauser, 1956- Hauser, S.H.F 1956 Cioranescu XVI, 19129 (1052).
“Louis Régnier de La Planche, a Parisian gentleman, Calvinist and confidant of the Constable of Montmorency, composed this now very rare work. Of the various contemporary historians who recount the annals of France after the death of Henry II, Régnier de la Planche is one of the most interesting.
His bias for the Reformation bursts forth on every page, but as, above all, he is an honest man, he never sacrifices the truth to his opinions. His style is clear, often picturesque, his narrative lively and swifter than nearly all other authors of his time. A somewhat favorable judge notes in this work “deep reflections, subtle observations, ingenious comparisons, even eloquent speeches, a marvelous historical erudition and a thorough knowledge of French legislation.” Moreover, Régnier de la Planche played a role in the events he recounts. Following the Amboise conspiracy, Catherine de’ Medici had a meeting with him, seeking to learn the intentions of the Constable of Montmorency and the Huguenot party. The Cardinal of Lorraine wished to attend this meeting invisibly, where Régnier de la Planche showed considerable firmness and independence. De Thou describes him as a man “very versed in affairs” and very skilled in negotiations.” Br-T.
“André Du Chesne (Bibliothèque des autheurs qui ont escrit l'histoire et topographie de la France, 2nd ed., 1627, p. 92) also says: “La Planche, minister, is considered the author of this history.” It is generally accepted that this La Planche must be identified as Louis Régnier de La Planche, who, according to La Croix du Maine, is the probable author of the book entitled On the Great and Loyal Duty... of the gentlemen of Paris towards the King and Crown of France, 1565.
J.-A. de Thou, in a passage from the 25th book of his Histoire universelle (French ed., 1734, III, 514), says that the Lord of La Planche was the nephew of Jean Du Tillet and one of the confidants of the Duke of Montmorency. The Protestant historian who recounted the reign of Francis II speaks at length of Jean Du Tillet (pp. 365-378). Nothing, certainly, indicates that there was a family relationship, and if there was one, it could not have been close; but the discussions the anonymous author undertakes are characteristic. Du Tillet was clearly not indifferent to him: if he saw him as a fanatical Catholic, perhaps he also bore him a family grudge. As for the relationship between La Planche and the Duke of Montmorency, J.-A. de Thou only repeats the terms used by our historian in speaking of Régnier de La Planche.” (Cat. James de Rothschild n° 2149).
Very attractive copy bound in red morocco byDerome le jeune.
