VARILLAS (Antoine). Histoire de François premier. Paris, Claude Barbin, 1685. 2 vol. in-4° bound in full blond calf, spines with gilt ornaments on the nerves, fleur-de-lys with the figure of the crowned dauphin at the tail, triple gilt fillet framing the boards with the arms of Nicolas Lambert in the centre, gilt roulette on the edges and inside (Binding 18th c., from the period of the arms). Vol.1: [24] ff, 593 pp, Vol.2: [1] ff, 612 pp, CIII. Decorated with magnificent bands, lettering and endpapers. This work retraces the key events of François I's reign, highlighting his military campaigns, particularly the Italian wars, his diplomatic relations and his patronage of the arts and culture. Varillas presents a detailed year-by-year narrative, offering a perspective on the monarch's successes and challenges. The work is part of a larger series of royal biographies written by Varillas. A fine copy originally from the Bibliothèque Lambert (Hôtel Lambert, Paris). Handwritten bookplate of Marianne Gady Good condition Binding: Upper edge of T1 partially split Some small superficial spotting and rubbing to boards Slight discoloration and stains to boards Inside pages: Several pages foxed and some pages freckled, light oxidation on other pages.