LIGNY César de Les Ambassades et négociations de l’illustrissime & reverendissime Cardinal Du Perron, archevesque de Sens, Primat des Gaules et de Germanie & Grand aumosnier de France.

First edition, written by César Ligny, the Cardinal's secretary.

Born to a father who had converted to the Protestant faith, Jacques Davy Du Perron (1556-1618) spent his childhood in Bern to escape persecution by the Calvinists. He initially studied under his father, learning Latin and mathematics from an early age. Gifted in languages, he taught himself Greek and Hebrew, before concentrating on philosophy and physics.

Barely twenty years old, he was noticed by Jacques de Matignon, who introduced him to King Henry III, and the Abbé Desportes, who advised him to renounce Protestantism. After studying the writings of Saint Thomas and Saint Augustine, Du Perron converted to Catholicism. He became a reader to the king with a pension of two hundred écus.

Appointed cardinal by Clement VII in 1604, Du Perron was sent to Rome to take charge of French affairs. His diplomatic successes at two conclaves enabled him to obtain the archbishopric of Sens in 1606.

A very good copy.

Provenance: St Hugh's Parkminster (stamp).