The Life and Times of Bertrand Du Guesclin A History of the Fourteenth Century (Complete in Two Volumes)
Charleston: John Russell, 1864. First Edition. Frontispiece Portrait in Volume I. Full vellum. Octavos. xvi, 287 and viii, 314 pages. Near Fine.
Confederate imprint. Attractive set of this account of Breton knight and French military commander du Guesclin's daring deeds. Brave and chivalrous knights in battle would have appealed to Confederate gentlemen, but the book is more interesting today for its printing history. Jamison shipped the manuscript through the Yankee blockade of Charleston to his English publisher, speculating in the preface on the chances of it reaching England. It is unclear how many of the published sets made it back through the blockade to the Confederacy. Jamison, who had been the president of South Carolina's Secession Convention in 1860, died in the year of publication. Harwell #44. This set is bound in full vellum with gilt ruled borders on all boards, raised bands, du Guesclin's armorial crest stamped in gilt on upper boards, spines titled in gilt on black and red labels, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers, inside dentelles. Volume I has a few short tears with some associated creases at fore edges of about 4 leaves at rear of textblock. Both volumes show light external rubs, wear, and mild soil. Bindings remain sound. Handsome set, uncommon in bindings other than cloth.
Item #11475
Price: $500