[MANUSCRIT]. [LOUIS XIV]. Estat et menu gén[ér]al de la dépense ordinaire de la Chambre aux Deniers du Roy année 1680. France, [Versailles (?)], 1680, In-8 (182 x 117 mm.) title and 185 pp. cursive script in dark brown ink. Bound in full shagreened havana calf, spine ribbed, decorated with small irons and gilt fleur-de-lys in the entre-nerfs. Manuscript giving precise details of the food expenses of King Louis XIV and the French court for the year 1680. The Bibliothèque de l'Arsenal holds a similar manuscript for 1709 (Paris, Bibliothèque de l'Arsenal, MS 2576, "État et menu général de la dépense ordinaire de la Chambre aux deniers du roy, année 1709"). The catering services of the King's household were essential to the assertion of royal power. Through the extraordinary expenses that the service entailed, the sovereign displayed his power and wealth. Colophon (copy of the original): "Fait et arrêté le premier janvier 1680 signé Louis Henry de Bourbon et bas par Monseigneur Caillet" (page 185). "The office of Grand Master of France, one of the most prestigious, was traditionally held by the Condés here Louis Henry de Bourbon. Every year, the Grand Master settled the Expenses of the King's household. Under his authority and in his presence was held the office where the daily expenses were decided" (A. Adeline). Page 1: Etat des personnes qui doivent et ont droit de manger aux tables du Roy durant l'année 1680. Second table of Monseigneur le Grand Maître. - Page 7 : Menu of the bread of the house of the King for the year 1680. - Page 12 : Menu of table and communal wine. - Page 18 : Menu de la Table du Roy de 2 grands plats, 2 assiettes, cinq services etc. Also : Page 143 : Mémoire des gâteaux qui se distribuent la veille des Roys. - Page 145 : Etat du vin excellent qui se distribuë a chacun des jours de la veille des Roys et de Careme. etc. One section : Memoire de la cire qui se distribuë a la messe de minuit. And further on the wax expenses, "Lorsque le Roy est à St Germain en Laye"; "Lorsque le Roy est a Versailles..." etc. Then the "particular cases": Expenses for things that can be supplied everywhere according to how they are ordered and regulated.