ΛΑΟΝΙΚΟΣ ΧΑΛΚΟΚΟΝΔΥΛΗΣ: [Laonic Chalcondile Athenien]: [Αποδείξεις Ιστοριών] L Histoire de la decadence de l Empire Grec et establissement de celuy des Turcs…, avec la continuation de la meme histoire depuis la ruine du Peloponese jusque a l an 1612 et des considerations sur celle. Rouen 1650. Mid-17th century rare Rouen edition of Chalkokondyles’ History, with continuation up to 1612. Royal folio (36 × 24 cm), 2 volumes. Contemporary full leather, rubbed, covers with substantial wear but solid; joints starting and hinges weak (heavy volumes). Text mostly very clean, with only a few scattered spots and some light browning. Complete: [14], 1032, [36], 268, [4] pp., plus the two beautiful full-page plates of imperial dress depicting a Byzantine emperor and empress in ceremonial costume. Laonikos Chalkokondyles’ extensive history covers the period 1298–1460s and provides a unique account of the gradual fall of Byzantium and the rise of the Ottoman Turks. He was the first historian to employ the term “Byzantine” for the Eastern Roman state. His original vision of the Ottomans as an oriental tyranny, combined with his revival of Herodotus’ historiographical model, profoundly influenced Western perceptions of the East. Latin and French translations of his work quickly became the standard Western reference for the history of the Ottomans. This Rouen edition expands the narrative with additions from other contemporary historians, extending coverage to 1612 and producing a monumental work of over 1,200 folio pages. References: Atabey 214; Navari 138; not in Blackmer.