Francois De Belleforest
LE SECOND TOME DES HISTOIRES TRAGIQUES, EXTRAITES, QUAND AU SUJET DE L'ITALIEN DE BANDEL, MAIS LE RESTE DE L'INVENTION DE L'AUTEUR

Imprint: Paris, Chez Gabriel Buon, 1581
Binding: Hardcover

459 pages; François de Belleforest was a prolific French author, poet and translator of the Renaissance. He was born in Comminges, into a poor family, and his father (a soldier) was killed when he was seven. He spent some time in the court of Marguerite of Navarre, traveled to Toulouse and Bordeaux (where he met George Buchanan) , and then to Paris where he came into contact with members of the young literary generation, including Pierre de Ronsard, Jean Antoine de Baif, Jean Dorat, Remy Belleau, Antoine Du Verdier and Odet de Turnebe. In 1568 he became historiographer to the king. He died in Paris. Belleforest wrote on cosmography, morals, literature and history, and he translated the works of Matteo Bandello, Boccaccio, Antonio de Guevara, Lodovico Guicciardini, Polydore Vergil, Saint Cyprian, Sebastian Munster, Achilles Tatius, Cicero and Demosthenes into French. He is also the author of the first French pastoral novel, "La Pyrenee" (or "La Pastorale amoureuse") (1571) modeled on the "Diana" of Jorge de Montemayor. His "Grandes Annales" are a polemic tract against Francois Hotman. His total output comprises more than 50 volumes. His most successful work was most likely his translation and adaptation of the "histoires tragiques" by the Italian Matteo Bandello, which built on the work of Pierre Boaistuau and eventually amounted to seven volumes (1564-1582). One of these tales might be the source for Shakespeare's "Hamlet". One of these tales might be the source for Shakespeare's "Hamlet". One of these tales might be the source for Shakespeare's "Hamlet". Agination: 459 pagesWidth: 3.5" Height: 4.75"Book Details: Condition / Notes: This antique volume is bound in full vellum, with the title and volume number handwritten on the spine. The book shows external wear, with loss of material at the head of the spine. "Paris 1581/2" is written in the top margin of the front cover. The binding is sound. The title page displays loss at the upper outside corner, partially affecting the title. A closed tear appears at the fore edge of the title page. Lacking most of back free blank. The pages exhibit occasional light foxing and faint marginal moisture markings. This work is illustrated with a printer's device on the title page, head- and tailpieces, as well as ornamental initials. Covers punctured for closing ties, now lacking. This is volume II and the only one of this title [series? ], Located on Wordcat which shows 8 copies. ; 0, Good with no dust jacket

Stock number: 36432.

$US 700.00