[SIEGE OF RHODES CHRONICLE, 1480]

CAOURSIN Guillelmus, “Gulielmi Caorsin Rhodioru uicecancellarij: Obsidionis Rhodie Urbis Descriptio” [Venice], [Erhard Ratdolt], ca. 19 August 1480.

8vo, ff. 18 unnumbered leaves: a10 -b8 with 26 lines to each page.

Very Rare Chronicle of the Siege of Rhodes (1480) conducted by Guillaume Caoursin (1430-1501), EYE-WITNESS of the events. Caoursin was vice-chancellor to the Order of Saint-John when the Ottomans attacked Rhodes with a fleet of 160 ships and an army of 70,000 men under the command of admiral Mesih Pasha. The Hospitaller garrison led by Pierre dAubusson successfully defended Rhodes, with Guillaume Caoursin taking active part by successfully fulfilling various missions. This work is considered to be one of the first strictly historical publications on the Ottoman Wars.

Collated with the copy of the Bibliothèque Mazarine, Paris. Binding: Bound in modern half red moroco over marbled board, gilt edges. In Very Fine condition.

ISTC No. ic00108000, Graesse Supplement 154 (1482 edition).