A Journal of Occurrences at the Temple during the Confinement of Louis XVI, King of France
( FRENCH REVOLUTION ) CLERY, M.
By M. Clery, the King's Valet-de-Chambre. Translated from the original Manuscript by R.C. Dallas. ['The Journal of the Terror'].
ATTRACTIVE COPY
Published: Printed by Baylis [of] Greville-Street and sold by the Author, 1798
Stock code: 8350
Price: £234.00
8vo., First English Edition, with an engraved plate (moderately spotted), 2 engraved plans on one plate, and two engraved facsimiles on one plate, rear free endpaper and one rear blank preliminary lightly spotted; attractively bound in nineteenth century half calf, marbled boards, back gilt extra with five raised bands, second compartment with red leather label lettered in gilt, all other compartments ruled and elaborately tooled in gilt to a floral design, all edges marbled, marbled endpapers, corners lightly bruised else a remarkably bright, crisp, clean copy in elegant binding.
With the 16pp list of subscribers, which includes virtually every member of the Royal family extended to Prince William of Gloucester. This is the early issue with 'Bookselllers' in the publisher's imprint (see ESTCT110766). The plates depict the Temple tower, plans of the second and third floors and two facsimiles of Marie Antoinette's handwriting. Clery's family had been in the service of the French Royal Family since the time of Louis XIV. Together with his brother, he began his career with the Princesse de Guenenee, governess to the royal children, and became valet-de-chambre to the Duke of Normandy (later the Dauphin) in 1785. From 1789, he acted as valet to King Louis XVI and was permitted by Petion to continue to wait on the Royal Family during their imprisonment in the Temple. After the King's execution, Clery accompanied the Madame Royale (Marie-Therese de Bourbon) on her exile to Vienna where he continued to serve until his death. LOVELY COPY OF A KEY DOCUMENTARY RECORD IN THE HISTORY OF FRANCE, THE REVOLUTION AND THE TERROR, AND THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT CONTEMPORARY ACCOUNT OF THE IMPRISONMENT OF LOUIS XVI.