Histoire de Ferdinand-Alvarez de Tolede, Premier du Nom, Duc D'albe

First Edition, First Printing. In native French. Near fine for the age in full contemporary vellum, with worded spine labels. Rare in original bindings. Covers and boards worn, with corners slightly bumped. Text clean and unmarred, although a bit toned with age. Rubbing and soiling to one page in preface of Vol. I. Endpapers professionally replaced in Vol. II. Octavos. 10.25 x 16.5 cm. [14], 389 pp. + [18]; 443 pp., [19]. An excellent set.

Biography of Fernando Alvarez de Toledo y Pimenta (1507-1582), also known as the Duke of Alba in Spain and the Iron Duke in the Netherlands, a Spanish general and important diplomat. Between 1567 and 1573 he was appointed by the Spanish King Philipp II as governor of the Netherlands. He is best know for his actions against against the revolt of the Netherlands, where he instituted the Council of Troybles and repeatedly defeated the troops of William of Orange and Louis of Nassau in the battle of Jemmingen (1568) during the first stages of the Eighty Years War.