The History of France, Walter Anderson, 1775

A scarce first edition of Walter Anderson’s monumental historical work. He offers a detailed and insightful account of late 16th‑ and early 17th‑century French and European history, covering the turbulent period from Henry III to Henry IV, the Catholic League, and the peace settlements culminating in the Edict of Nantes. Anderson’s narrative is enriched with contemporaneous analysis of European political developments, making it a valuable resource for historians and collectors alike. 

The History of France, from the Commencement of the Reign of Henry III and the Riose of the Catholic League; to the Peace of Vervins, and the Establishment of the Famous Edict of Nantes, in the Reign of Henry IV. Together with The Most Interesting Events in the History of Europe, during that Period. By Walter Anderson, D.D.

Printed for the Author, and sold, in London, by Mess. Dilly, Robson, Becket & Du Hondt, and Wilson & Nichol; and in Edinburgh by J. Balfour, and the other Booksellers, 1775. First edition. An uncommon volume.

This first edition of Anderson's History of France is considered scarce on the market. WorldCat records indicate that only a handful of libraries worldwide hold copies, primarily major research and national collections, reflecting its limited contemporary distribution and survival. Copies offered for sale in the trade are rare, and it is uncommon to find one in a complete text block with a contemporary binding, making this volume particularly desirable for collectors of 18th‑century European history.

A good hardback bound in full contemporary calf. Leather worn, scuffed and bumped, with later calf leather strengthening to tail of spine. With red leather title label to spine. Outer joints are worn and rubbed. Rear cover joint is split and fragile, and only loosely attached..

Text is lovely and bright throughout and is free of spotting. A marginal edge tear to Preface page. Some toning to edges of pastedowns. For approximately the final 75 pages there is a small damp stain to edge of text block which encroaches only into the marginal areas of the text pages. 

Despite some fragility, a rare first edition offering a complete, contemporary-bound account of a pivotal period in French and European history.

xi + 539pp.

Dimensions: Approximately 280mm x 234mm x 40mm.

Weight: Approximately 1930g.