BEUFVES DANTHONNE newly printed in Paris. Small folio, green morocco, triple fillet, nicely decorated 5-rib spine, interior lace, gilt head (19th century binding). Bechtel, 106/B-417 // Brunet, I-835 // Fairfax Murray, 35 // Renouard, ICP, I // USTC, 39048. (122f.) / A-T6, U8 / 43 lines on two columns, gothic car / 167 x 247 mm. Second edition and first with a definite date of this novel about the adventures of Beuves d'Anthonne and the beautiful Josienne. There are Italian versions of the adventures of Buovo d'Antona and English versions of Sir Bevis of Hampton, although we are not sure of the country of origin. The novel is thought to date from the first half of the 14th century and to have been written by a Florentine or a Tuscan. Others see its origins in England. The action of this novel predates Charlemagne. The hero is a descendant of the emperor Constantine and is the great-grandfather of Milon of Anglante, father of the famous Roland, whose adventures were recounted by Ariosto. The first edition of this novel of chivalry was published by Vérard between 1499 and 1503. This second version is the first to be dated. It is illustrated with a large woodcut on the title showing the knight Beuves d'Anthonne on horseback at the head of his troops, a woodcut on the verso showing the author in front of a lectern carrying a book, another large woodcut on the verso of the last leaf showing the beautiful Josienne threatened with death in a garden, and numerous initials. Colour of binding unevenly faded, top cap missing and minor scuffing not serious. 2 leaves shorter in margin (G3-G4), stains on several leaves. Provenance: Fairfax Murray (label, no. 35).