DANISH BOOK PRODUCTION AT ITS PEAK

LEX REGIA - KONGELOVEN - ENEVÆLDENS GRUNDLOV.

Lex Regia det er: Den Souveraine Konge=Lov, sat og given af den Stormegtigste Höibaarne Fyrste og Herre Herr Fridrich Den tredie...og Hans Maj. underskreven d. 14. Novemb. 1665. Som...Friderich den Fierde...Allernaadigst haver befalet ved offentlig Tryk at vorde publiceret...den fierde Septemb. Aar 1709.

(København), 1709.

Folio. 53x35 cm. Contemporary full mottled calf. Boards with a bit of wear and a few scratches. Corners and capitals repaired. 19 leaves, all with engraved text and ornamental frames. The broad frames that all differ from each other ornamentally depict animals and plants as well as the different trades of the country. A few leaves with minor weak dampstaining to upper margin. Upper margin slightly soiled. Otherwise a nice and clean copy on thick heavy paper.

First edition of this main work of Danish book production and the constitution of the Danish absolute monarchy.
The Royal Law established the absolute right of the Monarch to rule, and it defined the line of royal succession. It was more rigorous than the other monarchal laws of Europe at the time.

The text which is written by Peder Griffenfeld is engraved in copper throughout, in order to prevent the possibility of re-printing, pirated editions and text-counterfeiting. Frederik Rostgaard, the King's state archivist who was famous for his excellent taste in books, was in charge of the editing and issuing of the work. In front of the actual law text a leaf is inserted with the portrait of King Frederik III on his horse, and everything, except for the head of the king which was engraved after his death-mask, is executed in the beloved flourishing- or scroll- manner of the time. The titles and the text are engraved throughout by Michael Røg.

Order-nr.: 59593