"FOR THE SOVERAIGN BEING ONCE INVESTED WITH LAWFUL AUTHORITY, THE SUBJECT HAS IRREVOCABLY GIVEN UP HIS POWER, AND THE DEPENDANCE OF A MONARCH IS ALONE ON GOD"

(DRYDEN, John) MAIMBOURG, Louis. The History of the League. Written in French by Monsieur Maimbourg. Translated into English According to his Majesty's Command. By Mr. Dryden. London: Jacob Tonson, 1684. Octavo, contemporary full paneled brown calf rebacked with original spine label laid down, raised bands. $800.

First edition in English of Maimbourg's history of the religious wars in France, with frontispiece portrait of Charles II and Dryden's "Postscript of the Translator."

First published in French in 1683, Maimbourg's history of the Catholic League during the French Wars of Religion was translated by Dryden at the request of King Charles II; Dryden's postscript emphasizes the relevance for the English Restoration of the French wars, and argues for the divine right of kings. Pforzheimer 328. Bookplate.

Interior fine, expected age-wear to contemporary calf boards. An attractive copy.