Guillaume de Nassau (1775) - William of Orange - Paul-Jérémie Bitaubé

A special French book from 1775 about William of Orange and the founding of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands.

Guillaume de Nassau, ou la Fondation des Provinces-Unies was written by Paul-Jérémie Bitaubé and published by the royal printer Prault in Paris. This second edition is considerably expanded and improved compared to the original 1773 publication.

The work recounts the Dutch Revolt, the struggle against Spanish rule, and the role of William of Orange in the form of an epic heroic tale. The book is dedicated to Prince William V of Orange-Nassau, the then hereditary stadtholder of the Republic.

A remarkable feature is the engraved frontispiece by the French artist Jean-Michel Moreau le Jeune. The allegorical depiction glorifies Dutch freedom. The title page also features a beautifully engraved vignette.

The book is bound in a characteristic eighteenth-century full leather binding, with five raised bands, richly gilt spine decorations, and colorful marbled endpapers. Its original appearance has been well preserved despite visible signs of age.

An attractive historical collector's item for enthusiasts of William of Orange, Dutch history, antiquarian books, and eighteenth-century printing.

Specifications

• Title: Guillaume de Nassau, ou la Fondation des Provinces-Unies
• Author: Paul-Jérémie Bitaubé
• Publisher: Prault, Imprimeur du Roi
• Publication: Paris, 1775
• Edition: Second, considerably expanded and improved edition
• Language: French
• Extent: LIV + 486 numbered pages, with additional front matter
• Illustrations: Engraved frontispiece and title vignette by Jean-Michel Moreau le Jeune
• Binding: Full leather, presumably calfskin
• Finishing: Gilt spine decoration, five raised bands, and marbled endpapers
• Edges: Originally marbled or speckled, now heavily faded
• Dimensions: 20 × 13 × 4.3 cm
• Origin: France
• Condition: Fair antique condition. Wear to the leather. Old water damage with discoloration of the edges and local moisture traces in the paper. The binding remains strong and the text is legible.