About the Object: An authentic, extremely rare mid-18th-century collection of monumental historical literature in French – a complete 12-volume series titled "Histoire Romaine depuis la fondation de Rome jusqu'à la translation de l'empire par Constantin" (The Roman History from the Building of the City to the Removal of the Empire by Constantine). Published in 1754 by the renowned publishing house "Zacharie Chatelain & fils", this fundamental work was written by Laurent Echard and combines a deep analysis of both the Republican and Imperial periods. The books feature original period leather bindings, are fully complete (12/12), and reflect the highest level of European bookmaking and historiography of the Age of Enlightenment.
Technical Information: The number of books is 12 volumes (complete set, 12/12). The format is 10 x 17 cm (a compact folio / pocket format of the era). The year of publication is 1754 (the first edition of the 18th century in this exact form). The language is French (original language). The author is Laurent Echard (supplemented with Constantine). The publisher is Zacharie Chatelain & fils. The binding and material consist of period leather covers (Leather bindings). The condition is good (Good) – all volumes are complete and structurally sound. The spines of the books have been professionally restored, and the paper has maintained its stability. The text pages contain authentic period notes and annotations in the margins, which historically helped the reader navigate the extensive material. Shipping is carried out exclusively with a registered tracking number.
Artistic and Structural Analysis: This set is an impeccable example of luxury 18th-century French bookmaking. The books are bound in thick, natural period leather featuring characteristic raised bands on the spine (dos à nerfs). The compartments between the raised bands are richly decorated with gilded vegetative and floral fleuron motifs, while authentic leather title and volume numbering labels are stamped onto the spines. The edges of the book blocks are painted in a traditional rich red color (tranches rouges), which during the Baroque and Classicism eras protected the pages from dust and added a touch of distinctive aesthetic luxury to the publications. All twelve volumes, lined up together, form a cohesive, solid visual presentation with a natural leather texture and reflections of gilded patterns created by the light.
Historical and Academic Context: Laurent Echard (circa 1670–1730) was a prominent English historian and clergyman whose works, translated and adapted into French, became highly popular throughout Europe due to their clear, engaging narrative style. This monumental 12-volume edition encompasses not only the classical history of Ancient Rome from its legendary founding and the Republic's struggles against Carthage, but also details the fate of the Western and Eastern (Byzantine) Empires through the entire Middle Ages right up to the threshold of the Modern Era – the year 1453. This represents a unique attempt during the Enlightenment to unify the study of classical heritage and Byzantine studies into a single coherent geopolitical lineage, which is why the handwritten reader annotations in the margins are valued as an authentic trace of the intellectual culture of that time.
Collection and Investment Significance: The market value of this set is defined by several essential aspects. First and foremost is its absolute completeness – finding all 12 volumes published more than 270 years ago, which have retained identical covers and overall structural integrity, is an exceptional rarity. The professional and timely reinforcement of the book spines ensures that the fragile construction is protected, allowing the volumes themselves to be safely read and leafed through. The synthesis of historical, military, travel, and literary themes makes this collection highly versatile. It stands as an excellent, sustainable investment in bibliophilic heritage that will instantly become the pride of any private library, a valuable exhibit alongside historical maps and coins, or a luxurious intellectual accent in a classic interior.
This approximately 270-year-old mid-18th-century masterpiece is an authentic document of life and science history, harmoniously combining scientific weight, highest-level master preparation, and long-term collectible potential.
