First edition of a work on the history, laws, and politics of the Dutch Republic, beautifully illustrated with folding etchings by Romeyn de Hooghe (1645-1708). It was written with the intent to make this information more easily accessible to all citizens. The first part describes each province separately, while the second focuses on courts and both the East and West India Company (VOC and WIC). "A politico-historical work. It gives historical data and ample reference to other sources. Part II is interesting because of chapters dealing with the Vereenigde Oost- en West Indische Compagnie, the Surinaamsche- en Groenlandse Compagnie, the trade on the Levant and the herring fishery" (Landwehr).
De Hooghe was a very versatile artist and one of the best known of his days. He made historical and satirical plates, produced maps and plans, was a book illustrator, and a writer of historical-political works and pamphlets against the anti-Orangists. He moved around in the higher circles of the European society, producing the engraved portrait of Jan Sobieski, engravings on his victories over the Turks, and a large map of Poland, earning him a Polish title of nobility. He also became a confidant of William III, working at the renovation and rebuilding of the palace Het Loo and as his personal political agent.
With the bookplate of the Military Collection of Anne S.K. Brown mounted on the front pastedown of both volumes. The vellum is somewhat rubbed, especially on the second volume, the volume numbers on the spine are incorrect, remnants of earlier title label on spine. The volumes are somewhat browned throughout, the frontispiece of the second volume with a creased lower corner. Otherwise in good condition. Hollstein IX, 737-752; Landwehr, Romeyn de Hooghe 103 (with 14 plates); Nijhoff, BHGN III, 779; Van der Steur, Romeyn de Hooghe, 12.