Sully

1819 · ref. 002287 — Edinburgh: Printed For Stirling and Slade And Archibald Constable. 1819. A New Edition Carefully Revised. First published in English in 1756 this is the first edition with the appendix. Volumes 1-4 of 5 Uniformly bound - orig. cloth backed boards marbled end-papers and page edges - paper spine labels xxx 1-484 14 1-4746 1-502 10 1-554 14 1-268 index. With an engraved frontis portrait in each volume. Some foxing. Spines worn and covers loose on Vols 1 & 3. Maximilien De Bethune Sully 1560-1641 French statesman. Brought up in the Reformed faith Maximilien was presented to Henry of Navarre in 1571 and was thereafter attached to the future King of France. After studying at the College of Bourgogne he studied history and mathematics at the court of Henry of Navarre and on the outbreak of the Civil War enlisted in the Protestant Army. He displayed bravery in the field and exhibited a talent as an engineer. In 1583 he served as Henry's special agent in Paris. With the renewal of the Civil War in 1589 he served in the Army and was wounded at the battle of Ivry. As soon as Henry's power was established Maximilien received rewards in the form of estates and dignities. He was made the sole superintendent of Finances in 1598 and brought order to the countries financial affairs introducing several influential and important changes dealing with trade and economy. In 1599 Maximilien was appointed Commissioner of Highways and Public Works Superintendent of Fortifications and Artillery; in 1602 Governor of Mantes 1604 Governor of Poitou and in 1606 Duke and Peer of Sully. Sully's influence was widespread; he encouraged agriculture urged free circulation of produce promoted stock raising planned a system of canals and forbade the destruction of the forests. He strengthened the French military establishment promoting the construction of great lines of defences on the frontiers. He represented Henry at the Court of King James I arranged Henry's marriage to Marie De Medicis and helped to put down several revolts by the nobility. Sully's political power and influence ended with assassination of Henry IV in 1620. While he was unpopular with his colleagues he nonetheless exhibited a gifted executive ability throughout his career as well as an unbending loyalty to the King. Sully was largely responsible for the transformation in France between 1598-1610 when agriculture and commerce improved and foreign peace and internal order were maintained. . Revised Edition. Boards. Good/No Jacket Issued. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Printed For Stirling and Slade, And Archibald Constable.... hardcover