[SIMPLICIEN]. - Lot 56

[SIMPLICIEN]. Extrait De la Généalogie de la Maison de Mailly Suivi de l'histoire de la Branche des Comtes de Mailly Marquis d'Haucourt, Et de celle des Marquis du Quesnoy. Paris : imprimerie de Ballard, 1757. - Large in-4, 322 x 242: title, ij pp., 1 f., 198 pp., title, 215, 27 pp. 2 genealogical tables, 1 title. Marbled calf, ribbed spine decorated with gilt arms and motifs, red edges (period binding). First edition printed by Ballard of this important work concerning the House of Mailly, one of Picardy's most illustrious families. The work was financed by the family itself, and was not marketed. Written by the Reverend Father Simplicien (1683-1759), it includes the general family tree of the House of Mailly, in which all branches are distinguished, followed by the "general extract of the house", as well as the separate family tree of the branches of the Counts of Mailly, the Marquises of Haucourt and du Quesnoy. The luxury of this book sets it apart from the norms of publications of the time. Printed on fine paper, it is illustrated with 12 engraved titles, 3 of which are hors texte, including the general title engraved by Martinet after Le Parmentier, five full-page engravings, and 32 bands and vignettes representing the various coats of arms of the families described. It also includes two large fold-out genealogical trees, the first printed in red and black. There are prints on different papers, with different impositions. This copy is one of those printed on large Hollande paper, in large in-4 format. It features the Bailleul family coat-of-arms pasted in (page 147), as in the other copies consulted, and leaf Q4, corresponding to one of the engraved titles, is hardback. A fine copy in contemporary binding, bearing the coat of arms of the House of Mailly on the spine. A few minor scratches and scuffs. Lower corners dulled. Reinforcement made at the time of binding to the lower right-hand corner of the first cover. Small loss at bottom of hardback endpaper.