James Cummins Bookseller Offers Fall Arrivals

Item 65 is a marriage document signed by the most notable people in early 18^th century France. No one could have imagined what would befall the family whose names are found near the top of the document. The first four names are “Louis,” “Louis,” “Louis,” and “Charles.” “Louis” was a popular name in this family. The document, dated June 1704, was a marriage contract for Noel Beaudet de Morlet and Marguerite Gallyot. Morlet was in charge of the King's gardens. The first Louis is the King himself, Louis XIV of France. The second signature is that of his son and heir, Louis, Le Grand Dauphin. The third Louis is his grandson, Louis Duc de Bourgogne. The Charles is The King's other grandson, Charles Duc de Berri. Those who know the story will recall what happened a few years later. Between 1711 and 1714, all three of the heirs then next in line died, while the old King lived on. When Louis XIV finally died in 1715, succession was left to his five-year-old great grandson, who would reign as Louis XV, famous for being the last King who preceded the “deluge.” Many more signatures of nobility are found on this document, along with the rare signature of the great architect Jules Hardouin Mansart. $16,500.

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