YSAMBARD DE SAINT-LÉGER?. La Légende des flamands... Lot 35

[YSAMBARD DE SAINT-LÉGER?]. [La Légende des flamands] - La Legẽde des flamẽs artisiens et haynuyers. Ou autremẽt leur cronique abregee en laquelle sint contenues plusieurs hystoires de Frãce Angleterre & Allemaigne... Paris : à l'enseigne Saint Claude, [20 mai 1522]. - In-4, 220 x 163 : (6 ff.), 107 ff. ill-foliated Ci. Dark green half-maroquin with corners, smooth spine decorated (19th-century binding). Bechtel, L-113. First edition of this rare anonymous work, dedicated to Louise de Savoie. It was printed by François Regnault. "The officially-inspired text, written in the context of the conflict with the House of Austria, endeavors to support François I's territorial claims with genealogies, excerpts from widely-quoted authors (Gerson, Gaguin, Froissart, C. de Seyssel, J. Lemaire, Erasmus, etc.) and various arguments.) and various arguments, François I's territorial claims to Flanders, Artois, Burgundy and also Naples, Sicily and Milan - countries then in the power of Charles V, or which the French king would have to renounce after the defeat of Pavia. As for the Flemish, the text recalls their origins, the various revolts and claims on their territory, notably by the English (passage sur la prinse et vendition de la pucelle par sire Jehan de Luxembourg aux anglois qui la firent a Rouen). A general principle repeated throughout: the kings of France were always autonomous, particularly in relation to the Emperor of Germany" (Bechtel). Beautifully printed in Gothic script. The title is printed in red and black and features a grotesque L lettering with a face. The illustration includes 30 woodcuts, one on the verso of the title depicting Charles VIII's entry into Naples, one on the recto of folio 1, depicting the author writing, and 28 in the text, showing mainly figures but also two battle scenes, which, according to Bechtel, are "of composite provenance, some from the 15th century (Vérard, Levet)". Interesting copy including an early manuscript addition following the colophon, giving us these indications: "Compille & ordonné à l'instance & requeste de tres haulte illustre et tres clere dame Madame Louyse de Savoye duchesse d'egoumois & d'anjou & comtesse du Maine & mere du tres chrestien Roy de France Françoys premier de ce nom par Maistre Ysambard de Sainct Leger pbre prieur commendataire de la Roche Mabille en diocese du Mans Escollier & Chapellain de la de dame. " If authentic, this note would provide vital information, pointing to a certain Ysambard or Ysembert de Saint Léger as the author, or rather compiler, of this work. The latter is known for the partial translation made between 1526-1531 of the work entitled Speculum dominarum (Miroir des Dames nobles) by the Franciscan Durand de Champagne (12..-13..). This note is written in imitation of a printer's typeface. It is undoubtedly old, but would benefit from further study to determine its precise date and authenticity. Heavy rubbing to spine, corners dulled. Title leaf rebacked. Light staining throughout. Last blank leaf missing.