1635 – Court of Philip IV of Spain & Life of Gaspar de Guzman | Malvezzi First Edition

Il Ritratto del Privato Politico Christiano by Virgilio Malvezzi is one of the earliest surveys of political conduct in 17^th-century Spain. First published in 1635, this book describes Malvezzi’s association with the Spanish court of Philip IV, focusing on the life of Gaspar de Guzman y Pimental, the Count Duke of Olivares. This book showcased how Philip IV made Guzman his favored figures in the court, effectively giving him responsibilities that allowed him to have control within the Spanish government.

This fine first edition is notable for retaining the original vellum binding, as well as double-lined borders around the text on each of the pages.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Il Ritratto del Privato Politico Christiano. Estratto dall’originale d’alcune attioni del Conte Duca di S. Lucar
• Author(s): Virgilio Malvezzi
• Publisher: Bologna, G. Monti & C. Zenero
• Edition: First edition, 1635
• Binding: Full vellum
• Format: (4to), single volume
• Size:  8.5 in x 6.5 in (21.6 cm x 16.5 cm)
• Collation: 136 p
• Illustrations:
• Contents Include:
  • Dedication to the Count-Duke of Olivares
  • Treatise on private and political virtue
  • Reflections on royal counsel and discretion
  • Considerations on moral governance within monarchy

Condition:

Full vellum binding, secure and tight. Some staining visible on covers, moderate worming to preliminaries, and mild age toning with foxing at margins. Text remains legible and complete.

Why Collect This?

• First edition of an early Italian political work on the Count-Duke of Olivares
• Direct link to Spanish court politics of Philip IV

Item Number: # 29721