[library of Marie-Louise] KARAMZINE NICOLAS (1766-1826) Histoire de l’empire de Russie, traduite par MM. St.-Thomas et Jauffret. Paris, De l’Imprimerie de A. Belin, 1819-1820 [Bossange père, 1823, pour le tome IX].

9 volumes in-8. One folding colour map of Russia and nine folding genealogical tables of various Russian dynasties. The first nine volumes only (of eleven total), published between 1819 and 1826. Bound in long-grain morocco, gilt roulette, crowned monogram in the centre, smooth decorated spine, blue moiré endpapers, gilt edges. (period binding). Numerous foxing spots. Headbands and headbands restored in volume IX. A precious exemplar from the library of Marie-Louise, Duchess of Parma, former Empress of France, bearing her crowned monogram on the covers. First edition of the French translation Dedicated to Emperor Alexander I. A precious copy from the library of Marie-Louise, Duchess of Parma, formerly Empress of the French, bearing her crowned monogram on the covers. Nikolai Karamzin (1766–1826) was one of Russia’s most celebrated historians and a member of the Imperial Academy of Saint Petersburg. His monumental Histoire de l’empire de Russie—regarded as the most authoritative Russian history of its time—was the result of years of research in libraries and monasteries across the Empire. Its publication was interrupted by the author’s death. It traces the history of Russia from its origins to the end of the reign of Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible) and the rise to power of the Romanov dynasty. This work, of unprecedented scope, provided an ideological foundation for the government of Alexander I, Napoleon’s great adversary. In recognition of his work, Karamzin was appointed to the State Council. PROVENANCE: library of Marie-Louise, Duchess of Parma, former empress of the French, bound with her crown cipher.