BERRY. MANUSCRIT. MEMOIRES on the generality of Bourges. [s. - Lot 52

BERRY. MANUSCRIT. MEMOIRES on the generality of Bourges. [s.l.], [circa 1700]. Small in folio, [1] f. (title), 45 numbered leaves written on both sides, [1] blank between f. 10 and 11, 18th c. tan half-basin, 6-ribbed spine, havana and green title-pieces, richly decorated caissons, untrimmed. Meticulous copy of a memoir written around 1698 at the request of Louis François d'Y de Séraucourt, Intendant of the Generalitat of Bourges. It documents the state of the region at the time: ecclesiastical state, military government, justice, as well as finances, with particular reference to tailles et gabelles and royal revenues in the Généralité. It also provides an overview of trade and manufacturing, as well as details of local elections (La Charité, Issoudun, Saint-Amand and La Châtre). Finally, it evokes the presence of the Reformed religion and mentions information concerning the nobility. Spine faded and a little rubbed, corners dulled, soiling to boards, rubbed spines and elbows, wormholes to lower spine, light foxing on a few pages.