L’horloge des princes, avec le tres renomme livre de Marc Aurele […]. Traduict en partie de Castilan en François par feu N. de Herberay, seigneur des Essars […].

8vo: [32]-395-[1] ff. (toned, wormtrack in blank bottom margin of quires I-M touching sheet signatures).

Contemp. limp overl. vellum, flat spine titled in ink, vellum ties (soiled, endpapers gone).

Rare French trsl. of a widely popular courtesy book by the Spanish Franciscan preacher, and advisor of Charles V, Antonio de Guevara (1480-1545), 1st publ. Valladolid 1529, giving rulers directions with regard to their private and public conduct. It also contains the exemplary life of Marcus Aurelius. Guevara gives numerous instructive stories from a variety of sources, mostly from classical history but some entirely fictitious, as well as proverbs and wise sayings. Woodcut mark on title.
Ref. Palau 110179. - Pettegree (FB) 24063.
Prov. Caspar Pfijfferus Lucerinus Helvetius (ms. entries on title and front flyleaf).