PIGAFETTA Filippo Relatione dell’assedio di Parigi. Col dissegno di quella citta & de ‘luoghhi circonvicini

Brunet, IV, 651.

First edition. Complete copy, with the very rare large engraved folding plan of Paris.

This edition is dedicated to Pope Gregory XIV. Tjis book is one of the most curious documents on the history of Paris,  it relates the siege of Paris by Henry IV.

Philippe Pigafetta was a witness to the events he recounts, but without confining himself to the military facts of the siege, he has embellished his account with numerous details relating to the description of Paris, citing its fortifications, suburbs, quays, streets and also the surrounding area.

The beautiful folded plan (412 x 551 mm) of Paris and the surrounding area, dated Rome 1591, was engraved by Natal Bonifatio da Sibenieco. This detailed plan provides invaluable details and accurate information on the state of Paris at the time.

According to Abbé Bossuet’s catalogue (no. 148) this plan is missing from most copies. USTC does not locate any institutional copies in the United States. Some foxing, light spotting.