Duodecimo near contemporary speckled leather on 5 raised bands with ornately gilt compartments (hinges split at head & foot of spine but covers still well attached/head & foot of spine chipped down to headbands/tips worn, but still handsome binding) [4] incl. blank before Titlepage +614pp +[22p] index +Privilege. *Printed for the education of the Dauphin and an explanation in the Preface that the Duc de Montausier who was entrusted with the job of educating the prince by his father [Louis XIV] having selected works of conduct and religion as well as maxims desired that these be reinforced by biographies of illustrious men as illustrations of the embodiment of principles desirable in a future King. Tracing the life of Theodosius, his battles and conquests in the Orient it also deals with his good government, piety and fairness. The Abbot, addressing his royal reader, in the first chapter says that he will not overlook Theodosius' faults including the penance and reconciliation demanded by the Church. Interesting glimpse into early educational techniques as well as a history of this period of 4th century history when Rome was divided between the Western and Eastern Empires.