1657 – Letters of Swiss Heroes – Barzaeus | Switzerland Military & Mythology

Joannis Barzaei heroum Helvetiorum epistolae by Johannes Barzaeus is a rare 1657 work of nationalistic epistles and letters written from the perspective of Swiss heroes and legends. This work focuses on the foundational moments in Swiss history highlighting major battles and the virtues that most represent Switzerland.

This work is divided into three sections. The first recognizes historical figures such as Arnold an der Halden of Melchtal. The second chronicles major Swiss military victories such as the Battle of Morgarten, Battle of Sempach, and the Burgundian Wars. And finally, the third section describes key civic and religious sites including Einsiedeln Abbey.

This first edition is bound in original vellum binding.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Joannis Barzaei heroum Helvetiorum epistolae
• Author(s): Johannes Barzaeus
• Publisher: Friburgi Helvetiorum, Apud Davidem Irrbisch
• Edition: First edition, 1657
• Format: (16mo), single volume
• Binding: Full vellum
• Size:  6.25 in x 4 in (15.9 cm x 10.2 cm)
• Collation: [14], 243, [18]
• Illustrations:
• Contents Include:
  • Book I – De primis libertatis Helveticae assertoribus
  • Book II – De variis Helvetiorum praeliis
  • Book III – De rebus Helveticis miscellaneis

Condition:

Good. Bound in full vellum with a tight and secure structure. Some loss of vellum at the spine, with the handwritten title still visible. The text block is complete, though moderate staining and foxing are present throughout, consistent with age and 17th-century paper. Aged but stable copy of a scarce patriotic literary work.

Why Collect This?

• Bullet a key rarity or unrecorded status

Item Number: #29602