AMELOT de la HOUSSAYE. History of the government of Venice. - Examination of the original liberty of Venice. - Continuation... or History of the Uscoques. Lyon, Certe, 1740-1739; 3 vol. in-12 (164 x 93 mm), spotted calf, spines decorated with gilt fleurons (contemporary bindings). Beautifully illustrated: frontispiece, large map of Venice and its surroundings and 8 repl. plates, several of which show Saint Mark's Square and the Bucentaurus festival (44 x 32 cm), an annual celebration of the marriage of the Doge and the sea, symbolising Venice's maritime supremacy. The 3rd vol. is devoted to the History of the Uscoques, Vlach and Croatian pirates, often encouraged by Austria, who attacked Venetian sea routes. A fine copy. Ex-libris of Jacob Olivier Vallée, magistrate of the Chambre des Comptes in 1730.