LES STATUTS DE L’ORDRE DU SAINT-ESPRIT estably par Henry IIIme du nom Roy de France et de Pologne au mois de décembre l’an 1578.
Paris: Imprimerie Royale, 1788.

4to (290 × 220 mm). II, 399 pp. Contemporary full red morocco, gilt roll border to covers, emblems of the Order of the Holy Spirit tooled at the corners, central arms, spine with raised bands gilt in a pattern of flames and fleurs-de-lys, green morocco lettering-piece, gilt roll to board edges, gilt edges, gilt turn-ins; a handsome period binding.

A more complete edition than that of 1740.
Decorated with an engraved title-page, engraved headpieces, vignettes and tailpieces, all executed in intaglio by Sébastien Le Clerc.

A pleasing, large-margined copy, bearing the arms of Louis XVI (1754–1793), together with the insignia of the Order of the Holy Spirit. The Order, founded by Henry III in 1578, remained the most prestigious chivalric order in France, reserved for princes of the blood and a select élite of high nobility.

Light rubbing and a few small patches of surface wear; otherwise a very attractive armorial example.