La Maison Du Roi De France: Houshold Troops of the King of France 1445-1789

Uniformology, 2006. ** FREE POSTAGE within Australia, postage overseas at cost -- Note: Postage will be added automatically when you place an order, but I will adjust the postage cost when the order is processed. ** The Royal Court of the Kings of France was a hotbed of Byzantine intrigue. To protect themselves from enemies both from within and without, the military forces of the Royal Household (Maison du Roi) became the largest and most elaborate in Europe. Special units were created to guard inner doors or outer doors and others designated by various degrees of distance to guard the King’s person. Naturally, uniforms were created and the ranks, populated exclusively from the nobility, bore ancient nomenclature. The Maison du Roi lasted nearly 200 years but would disappear by 1791 as revolution engulfed France. They reappeared again (not included in this volume) during the restoration until the monarchy was finally abolished. The history of the Maison du Roi along with their uniform details are recorded in this book. The illustrations with them are taken from the collection of the great French 19th century military artist Alexandre de Marbot and further schematic details are provided by the plates of Lienhart & Humbert. (8 Pages of text and 28 color plates). Soft Cover. As New. Illus. by Marbot, Lienhart, Humbert. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.