1p., oblong 8vo (216 x 330 mm), on vellum, old folds, some soiling, slightly trimmed. Untranslated document in French.

[Bound in:] PARDOE, Julia. The Court and Reign of Francis the First, King of France. London: Richard Bentley, 1849. 3 (of 4) parts in 2 volumes bound into 3, 8vo. EXTRA ILLUSTRATED WITH 238 ENGRAVINGS INCLUDING A SIGNED DOCUMENT FROM THE QUEEN OF FRANCE; additional contents leaf in manuscript inserted in vol.1. Early 20th century half tan morocco gilt, marbled boards, spines in 6 compartments with 5 raised bands, gilt-lettering in 2, others gilt, top edges gilt, stamp-signed by Tout.

FIRST EDITION. Born into the influential Medici family of Florence, Catherine de Medici married King Henry II of France on October 28, 1533, when both were just 14 years old. Their marriage, a strategic political alliance, was designed to strengthen the ties between the powerful Medici dynasty and the French royal house. After Henry's death, Catherine assumed the role of Queen regent for her sons—Francis II, Charles IX, and Henry III—during which she wielded considerable political power, shaping a period often referred to as "the age of Catherine de' Medici."