1598 – Republic of Switzerland – Josias Simmler | Early Swiss Confederation History

La Republique des Suisses by Josias Simmler is a famous 16^th-century survey of the history of Switzerland and the Swiss Confederation. This work was so popular that it was the standard authority on Swiss constitutional structure for centuries. It focuses on the origins of the Helvetii and their interactions with Rome, the formation of Swiss cantons, and the wars with the Hapsburgs. It also includes discussion of rural assemblies such as the Landsgemeinde and the constitutional framework governing the confederation.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: La Republique des Suisses : comprinse en deux liures, contenans le gouuernement de Suisse
• Author(s): Josias Simmler
• Publisher: Geneva, Gabriel Cartier
• Edition: 1598. 4th edition.
• Binding: Full leather binding
• Format: (12mo), single volume
• Size:  6.5 x 4 in (17 x 10 cm)
• Collation: [16], 301, [15] pp
• Contents Include:
  • History of the Helvetii and Roman period
  • Formation of the Swiss Confederation
  • Alliances of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden
  • Wars with the Habsburgs
  • Structure of Swiss constitutional governance
  • Landsgemeinde and rural political systems
• Reference(s): Adams S 1172

Condition:

Very Good. Full leather binding tight and secure with light rubbing to the back board. Pages generally clean with mild staining. Text remains clear and complete.

Why Collect This?

• Early French edition of a key work on Swiss history
• Covers political, military, and constitutional development

Item Number: #50223