The Historie of Philip de Commines Knight, Lord of Argenton. [Translation by Thomas Danett, with dedicatory Epistle to Lord Burghley signed by him.].

London: Imprinted at London by Ar. Hatfield for I. Norton, 1601.

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Second edition in English. Title page within large historiated woodcut border bearing the royal arms and motto ("Honi soit qui mal y pense" ), the crest of Burghley, and the printer's beehive device; several large inital woodcut capitals throughout, and genealogical table in rear. [16], 364 pp. 1 vols. Small folio. Bound in contemporary paneled calf central gilt lozenge, last nine leaves of genealogical tables have contemporary manuscript notes. Upper covers split and pulling away from boards which are nevertheless firmly attached by cords; front free endpaper missing; internally very good. STC 5603.

Item #62363

Second edition in English of a primary source for 15th century European history. Commines has been called "the first critical and philosophical historian since classical times" (Oxford Companion to English Literature), principally for his shrewd and practical insight into the political realities of his day, his psychological insight, and his forthright account of the machinations of the politicians he described. His history is divided into 8 books, the first six of which deal with the reign of Louis XI; the last two deal with the Italian wars of Charles VIII, ending with his death

Thomas Danett's English translation was first published in 1596. In his dedication to Lord Burghley, dated 1 Nov. 1596, Danett states that thirty years before he presented Lord Burghley and "the late Earle of Leicester my Lord" his 'historie of Commines, rudely translated into our vulgar toong,' and that he later revised and enlarged his translation at the request of Sir Christopher Hatton. According to the DNB, Danett (fl. 1566-1601) was also the author of the following works: "1. The Description of the Low Countreys and of the Prouinces thereof, gathered into an Epitome out of the Historie of Lodouico Guicchardini,' London, 1593, dedicated to Lord Burghley. 2. A Continuation of the Historie of France from the death of Charles the Eight, where Comines endeth, till the death of Henry the Second [1559], collected by Thomas Danett, gentleman,' London, 1600, dedicated to Lord Buckhurst. ..."