121. NAPOLEON III. History of Julius Caesar. Paris,... Lot 121

121. NAPOLEON III. History of Julius Caesar. Paris, Imprimerie impériale, 1865-1866. 2 volumes large in-4 (37,2 x 27,6 cm), (4)-vi-(2)-357-(1 blank) + 6 [miscellaneous viii]-515-(1 blank) pp. half brown morocco with corners, gilt head, spines slightly faded, some brown spotting (old binding). FIRST EDITION. ERUDIT WORK WRITTEN UNDER THE ACTIVE DIRECTION OF THE EMPEROR, by a numerous group of scholars and literary men including Victor Duruy, Louis-Alfred Maury, Prosper Mérimée or Louis-Félicien Caignart de Saulcy. The image of Caesar had been severely damaged in the first half of the 19th century by authors such as Franz de Champagny and Alphonse de Lamartine, and the idea of defending a character such as this one had already germinated in the mind of Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte. He had already demonstrated his taste for history, particularly in his publications on artillery, and he therefore decided to launch this major publishing project. If the apologetic approach in favour of the imperial regime is very clearly stated in the preface, the scientific value of this historiographical work is now recognized. WITH SIGNED ENVOI, PARTLY AUTOGRAPHIC, FROM NAPOLEON III " to S[on] Exc[ellence] Mr Fould, Minister of Finance. Souvenir of friendship, Napoleon ". ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL PERSONS OF THE IMPERIAL REGIME, ACHILLE MARCUS FOULD (1800-1867) was the son of a banker, but made a political career, first as a deputy from 1842 to 1851, making himself noticed on economic questions. Close to Napoleon III, to whom he lent money even before his accession to power, he held almost continuous ministerial posts from 1849 to 1867: Minister of Finance (1849-1852 with interruptions), Minister of State and Minister of the Household of the Emperor (1852-1860), then Minister of Finance again (1861-1867). 37 plates out of text, 6 of which are double-page, i.e.: a portrait of César after Ingres, and 36 plates, mainly maps and plans in colour. Provenance: "J. M. » (ex-libris sticker).