(CHEMNITZ, Bogislaus Philipp von.)

(Stettin?), 1640. 4to. (16),+ 231, 234-258,+ 152,+ 55 pp. Minor spotting, a few old ink underlinings. Large copy with large margins. Modern full calf, blind stamped spine with raised bands and red label, boards with blind stamped border. Owner’s signature on title ”Sum Johannis ab Ehrenholtz equitis Silesiium”, and with the book plate of Rolf Norberg. VD17 1:018785Y. USTC 2075655. First edition of Chemnitz’ important work on the constitution of the Holy Roman Empire and a critic of its Habsburg rulers. The work was prohibited and burnt in the Habsburg countries when published. From 1647 new editions were published, and it was met with several replies and comments.Bogislaus Philip von Chemnitz's (1605-78) ”Dissertatio” has long been recognized as one of the most important and successful works of international law composed during the Thirty Years War, and it formed a starting point for a new discussion about the constitution. Chemnitz’ conclusion was that the Holy Roman Empire not should be viewed as monarchical but as an aristocracy composed of various sovereign political entities. Chemnitz was recognized by the Swedish chancellor, Axel Oxenstierna, who took him into Swedish service and he worked for the Swedish interests in the Westphalian Peace discussions. If he worked at the behest of the Swedes already during the work of the ”Dissertatio” is still under discussion. Later, he produced the large offical Swedish history of the war, ”Königlischen Schwedischen in Teutschland geführten Kriegs”, published in folio in 1648-53.