Histoire de Primaleon
Extremely rare first French edition – the only recorded complete copy in uniform old binding – of this famous Spanish chivalric novel.
4 volumes 12mo of (12) ff., 284 pp. (misnumbered as 313), 258 ff. (misnumbered as 256); (4)ff., 152 ff., (4)ff., 219 ff., (5) ff.
Tawny calf, double gilt fillet borders on covers with gilt armorial tools at the corners and center, spine raised and decorated with gilt motifs, red morocco title and volume labels, gilt edges over marbling, slightly short at head, running title shaved on some leaves, minute tear to one leaf. Armorial binding circa 1650. 148 x 92 mm.
[chivalric novel] History of Primaleon of Greece, continuing the story of Palmerin of Olive, Emperor of Constantinople. Paris, Galliot du Pré, 1572; Jean Parant 1577; Sébastien Molin, 1587; Lyon, Abel l'Angelier, 1583.
Complete original French edition of this celebrated chivalric novel translated from Spanish; it is so rare that this prestigious copy appears to be the only one bringing together all four parts published in 1572, 1577, 1587, and 1583 in uniform old binding; the third book is from the first Paris edition of 1587."Primaleon of Greece, chivalric novel translated from Spanish by François de Vernassal, is a sequel to Palmerin of Olive. Book II is translated by Guillaume Landré, books III and IV were translated by G. Chappuys, who also translated the second one.First published in 1512, it followed the novel Palmerin of Olive (1511) recounting the adventures of the two sons, Primaleon and Galendos. "The Palmerin de Oliva had a first edition in 1511 and seems indeed to be an imitation of Amadis. Here too we find similar episodes: the secret birth of Palmerin, the love story of Palmerin and Polinarda, Palmerin’s triumph over the Great Serpent who guards the marvelous fountain of Artifaria. Palmerin also resists the seduction of other princesses and becomes, like Esplandian, Emperor of Constantinople. The Primaleon tells the adventures of Palmerin's two sons, Primaleon and Polendos, as well as those of Don Duardos, Prince of England. Cervantes, who has the Palmeron de Oliva burned, does not mention the Primaleon, but instead gives, nowadays considered excessive, praise to Palmeron de Inglaterra, a novel whose hero is the son of Don Duardos and which seems to be the work of a Portuguese author. Marvelous episodes are plentiful, the most famous without doubt being that of the magic cup, in which were frozen the tears of Brandisia" (Encyclopaedia Universalis). "The novel clearly emphasizes gallantry; but realistic elements find greater place in it." (Laffont-Bompiani).
Precious copy bound in contemporary tawny calf with the cipher of Nicolas Fouquet, Viscount of Melun and Vaux, Marquis of Belle-Isle, son of François, ordinary State Councillor, and Marie de Maupeou, born in Paris in 1615.
Literary works from the 16th and 17th centuries bound with the arms or armorial devices of Nicolas Fouquet are extremely rare in private hands and highly sought-after. Two less important works than these have been listed over the last forty years.
Jacques Guérin, in his sale "Exceptional Books. Illustrious Provenances, Paris 7 June 1990", offered only one book bound in plain red morocco with Fouquet’s arms: “Nouvelles Œuvres de Voiture”, a second-rate writer, sold for 350,000 FF (€53,000) 33 years ago".
