COMMELIJN, Isaac (1598-1676). Histoire de la Vie & Actes memorables de Frederic Henry de Nassau Prince d'Orange. Amsterdam: la Vefve & les Heritiers de Judocus Janssonius, 1656.

COMMELIJN, Isaac (1598-1676). Histoire de la Vie & Actes memorables de Frederic Henry de Nassau Prince d'Orange. Amsterdam: la Vefve & les Heritiers de Judocus Janssonius, 1656.

Two parts in one volume, 2o (301 x 195 mm). Title printed in red and black. Engraved allegorical frontispiece, full-page portrait engraved by J. van Meurs after G. van Honthorst, 34 double-page or folding engraved plates and plans, THE FRONTISPIECE AND ALL BUT THE LAST PLATE (SHOWING THE FUNERAL PROCESSION) FINELY COLORED IN FULL IN A CONTEMPORARY HAND (a few just shaved at neatlines, portrait with short internal tear near bottom edge). (Occasional minor light browning to some text leaves.) Eighteenth-century mottled calf gilt (spine ends and joints repaired). Provenance: T.H.H. Davies, Elmley Castle (engraved armorial bookplate).

A biographical work of Frederik Hendrik van Nassau which gives an account of the important events which took place in Holland between 1627 and 1647. It also describes the history of the Dutch undertakings in the New World, including Cuba, northern Brazil and the capture of Olinda. Among the plates are some very fine views of naval engagements, including one off the city of Havana. Borba de Moraes I: 194. COLORED COPIES OF THIS WORK ARE NOTABLY RARE.