The Universal Spider

These memoirs, written in the 1490s by the diplomat Philippe de Commynes, concentrate on Louis XI of France, nicknamed the Universal Spider for his web of bargains. Commynes begins in the service of Charles the Bold of Burgundy, then defects to Louis and watches the king's wars and treaties, including dealings with Edward IV and the fall of Burgundy after Nancy. Courts, camps, and conference tables are the setting; the method is first-person political narrative. Later books on Charles VIII are omitted in this life-centred form. The work is a late medieval state memoir, not a romance of chivalry.

Quarter bound in blue leather with gilt spine titling, pale blue/grey canvas boards. Map endleaves printed white on dark red. Textured dark red or grey slipcase.