Traité des tournois, joustes, carrousels et autres spectacles publics.
1669. Lyons: Jacques Muguet, 1669.
4to, (xvi), 400 pp. with the 2 cancels (C2-3) included in the preliminaries. Illustrated with an engraved title page vignette (variant featuring crest in an architectural setting), dedication vignette, 22 headpiece vignettes, some signed by Derbage (several repeated) and 23 historiated initials. 19th century tree calf without bands, backstrip with gilt rolls and morocco label, edges sprinkled, ribbon. Boards slightly rubbed, lower joint neatly repaired, occasional light foxing. Old handwritten cataloguing note on front free endpaper. Bookplate of A. Kuhnholtz-Lordat.
§ First edition of this highly important work, a source for study of festive occasions of the late 16th and 17th centuries. It includes the iconographic program of such tournaments, dealing with the progress of events on land and water, the costumes, the machinery, dance, stage designs, music and other aspects. Ménestrier, a Jesuit from Lyons describes festivities in Italy, France, and Germany with references even to Polish and Lithuanian events. The vignettes show chariots, floats, a joust, equestrian quadrilles and machines. Brunet III 1624. Graesse IV, 487. Item #106635
Price: $3,500.00