[WICQUEFORT (Abraham de)]. Mémoires touchant les ambassadeurs et les ministères publics by L.M.P. Cologne, Pierre du Marteau, 1676. In-12, first edition of Abraham de Wicquefort's memoirs written under the pseudonym "L.M.P." ("The Prisoner Minister"). A diplomat to Louis XIII and Mazarin, the author was accused of revealing confidential information and, after his exile in Holland, of selling secret dispatches to Chevalier Williamson, ambassador of the English crown. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for high treason, but managed to escape after writing his memoirs. In his book, he describes the functions of diplomat and ambassador, defends himself against the charges brought against him, and sets out to demonstrate that his conviction was contrary to the "law of nations" and the need to protect ambassadors. Bound in full contemporary vellum, with blue morocco Carton Library title-piece and stamp. Ex-libris of Carton Library. (binding soiled). Expert : Mr. Nicolas Asvisio