Lusignano, Steffano

FIRST EDITION IN FRENCH, 4to (228 x 160mm.), 3 parts in one (continuous pagination), title with woodcut printer's device, woodcut headpieces and initials, contemporary limp vellum, light spotting and scattered browning, small hole in fol. 56 (affecting two letters), tear in lower margin of fol. 214 (not affecting text), slight wear to lower fore-edge of cover, without ties

Di Marcant(onio) Lorred(ano), early signature on title

Cobham-Jeffery p.35; Ioannou, Cyprus and the Levant from the Sylvia Ioannou Foundation, II, p. 314; not in Adams, Atabey or Blackmer

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

RARE (we have traced only 3 copies sold at auction in the past 40 years). This is an enlarged edition of Lusignano's Chorograffia, first published in Italian in 1573 (see lot 54). 'Parts 2 and 3 are entitled "La vraye et tres-fidele narration du success des assaults, defences & prinse du Royaume de Cypre ..." and "La vraye et tres-fidele narration de l'expugnation et defense de Famagoste ... par le R.P.F. Ange Calepien." According to the BNF, Calepien is a pseudonym for Lusignano, who portrays him as a vicar general of the Holy Land who was taken prisoner by the Ottomans and sent to Constantinople, where he collected information from his fellow captives. However, Cobham was convinced that Calepien/Calepio and Lusignano were two different people. This French edition also contains material from Lusignano's Histoire ... des genealogies ... de Hiérusalem, Cypre, Arménie, 1579' (Ioannou).