Heading:
Author: La Croix, De; (secrétaire de l'ambassade de France à Constantinople), translator
Title: Etat General de l'Empire Otoman, depuis sa fondation jusqu'a present, et l'abregé des vies des empereurs. Par un Solitaire turc
Place Published: Paris
Publisher:Chez Pierre Herissant
Date Published: 1695-1696
Description:

4 volumes. [24], 484, [28]; [4], 470, [18]; [4], 599, [14], 89; [40], 411, [4] pp. (12mo) 16.2x8.5 cm. (6½x3"), period calf, rebacked with modern calf, raised spine bands, morocco lettering pieces. First Edition.

Rare description of the Ottoman Empire in the late 17th century, as its power in Europe was waning, but it remained a force to be reckoned with. Rare, especially when including the fourth volume ("Suite de l'Etat general de l'Empire otoman... Quatrieme tome") which contains accounts of the Greek, Armenian and Maronite churches in the Ottoman Empire. "According to the Gennadius Library, this was translated by Petis de la Croix and edited by La Croix. In fact the privilege is ceded to La Croix, former secretary of the French embassy at Constantinople. It seems likely that there must be a family connection between the two, although the original family of Petis de la Croix was Petis, not La Croix" (Atabey 651). This copies lacks the two frontispieces (in Volumes 1 and 4).

The original calf covers with some deterioration to the surface; some minor aging within, very good.