Lobkowitz, Juan Caramuel de. Excellentissima domus de Mello ab imperatoribus romanis, constantinopolitanis, hispanis, francis, saxonibus, franconibus, suevis, bavaris, austriacis; a regibus castellanis, legionensibus, lusitanis [...] per genealogicos gradus deducta [...].

(Louvain, Everard de Witte, 1643).

Folio (345 x 441 mm). (3), XLIII (but: XLIV) ff. With 4 calligraphed half-titles, 2 engraved illustrations, 2 engraved initials, and 33 engraved full-page genealogical trees included in the foliation. Contemporary full calf with giltstamped borders to covers, giltstamped spine and spine-label. Leading edges gilt. Stored in custom cloth slipcase with marbled insides.

 4,500.00

Scarce, monumental edition of this genealogy of the Portuguese noble family Mello de Castro, seeking to prove their direct descent from Charlemagne. Appointed with delicately engraved genealogical trees including arms as well as small views of towns and castles in the background. Dedicated to Caspar Constantine Hercules de Mello. The present edition not in common Portuguese bibliographies, including Caetano de Sousa and Bernardes Branco. Only a single copy could be traced in auction records.

Near contemporary ownership of "de Bellisca" to half-title. Modern bibliographical notes in pencil to pastedown. Lower margin of the first 3 leaves extensively restored (without affecting text); trimming with loss of the last letter of the word "Mello" on 3 half-titles; margin of last family tree and last sheet restored, with loss of 7 lines of text; several wormholes repaired. Attractively bound with fine gilt decoration to both covers and spine.

References

Cf. António Caetano de Sousa, História genealógica I, CCXV. Bernardes Branco, Portugal e os estrangeiros IV, 540. Azevedo Soares, Bibliographia nobiliarchica 1075. Palau 43547 (other eds.).

Stock Code: BN#57302 Tag: