"HE HAD THE SECRET OF WINNING THE HEARTS OF HIS SUBJECTS"

(CHARLES THE BOLD) KIRK, John Foster. History of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott, 1864-68. Three volumes. Octavo, contemporary three-quarter tan calf, elaborately gilt-decorated spines, raised bands, navy and burgundy morocco spine labels, marbled boards, endpapers and edges. $850.

First American edition of this fascinating account of the French medieval king, with two engraved frontispiece portraits, handsomely bound.

Charles the Bold "has often been regarded as the last representative of the feudal spirit—a man who possessed no other quality than a blind bravery—and accordingly has often been contrasted with his rival Louis XI as representing modern politics. In reality, he was a prince of wide knowledge and culture, knowing several languages and austere in morals… he had the secret of winning the hearts of his subjects." First published in London in 1863.

Interior fine, contemporary calf bindings handsome.